Lazio vs Juventus: Preview and Prediction

Lazio will seek to come back from two goals down when they take on Juventus in the Coppa Italia on Tuesday night.

Lazio face an uphill battle as they attempt to overturn a two-goal deficit against Juventus in the Coppa Italia semi-final on Tuesday, with the match set to take place in front of their home crowd. Despite recent struggles, Massimiliano Allegri’s side managed to find the net twice in the first leg, giving them a crucial advantage.

The Bianconeri will be aiming to build on that lead before their Serie A clash against AC Milan, a pivotal match in the battle for the league’s second spot. Both clubs have experienced disappointing seasons overall, with the Coppa Italia representing their last chance for silverware. Juventus enter the tie as heavy favourites and will be wary of not allowing Lazio any early momentum in front of their home supporters.

Under Igor Tudor’s guidance, Lazio have shown signs of improvement and previously defeated Juventus this season. With last season’s final defeat still fresh in their minds, Lazio will be determined to progress in a competition they last won in 2019.

In their recent home fixture, Lazio secured an emphatic 4-1 victory over Salernitana, a result they will hope to replicate against Juventus. Meanwhile, Juventus fought back from a two-goal deficit to salvage a draw against Cagliari over the weekend.

While Juventus look likely to secure a top-four finish in Serie A, failure to win a trophy for the third consecutive season could raise questions about Allegri’s future, particularly if they suffer a collapse in the second leg against Lazio. With the prospect of facing serious trouble if they start slowly, Juventus will need to be cautious against a Lazio side playing with freedom.

As the Bianconeri aim for their 15th Coppa Italia title, they will be aware of their impressive record against Lazio, having not lost to them since January 2013. Looking ahead, the winner of the tie will face either Fiorentina or Atalanta in the final. The Hard Tackle examines potential lineups and tactics for both sides in what promises to be an intriguing encounter.

Team News & Tactics

Lazio

Lazio will be forced to contend without three key players due to injury concerns, including two who featured in the first leg. Matteo Guendouzi and Mattia Zaccagni are sidelined due to shin and ankle problems respectively, while goalkeeper Ivan Provedel continues to be ruled out with a hamstring issue.

Additionally, Manuel Lazzari’s availability is uncertain after he was substituted during the previous match against Genoa due to an unspecified issue. Ciro Immobile, who missed the same fixture, will undergo a late fitness assessment to determine his eligibility for the upcoming clash.

Igor Tudor will hope to catch his former side off guard and will go in with an attacking 4-3-3 formation. Christos Mandas should start in goal behind the back four of Mario Gila, Alessio Romagnoli, Patric, and Adam Marusic.

The trio of Daichi Kamada, Matias Vecino, and Luis Alberto should form the midfield pairing, freeing up Pedro and Felipe Anderson to support striker Valentín Castellanos in the attack.

Probable Lineup (4-3-3):  Mandas; Marusic, Patric, Romagnoli, Gila; Kamada, Vecino, Alberto; Anderson, Castellanos, Pedro

Juventus

Due to suspensions, Nicolo Fagioli and Paul Pogba will be unavailable, while Fabio Miretti and Moise Kean are ruled out due to injuries. Mattia Perin, the designated Coppa Italia goalkeeper, will start on Tuesday evening, ensuring continuity in goal. Apart from Perin’s inclusion, Juventus are anticipated to field their first-choice XI for the fixture.

The Italian shot-stopper should be protected by the back three of Federico Gatti, Gleison Bremer, and Danilo. The trio of Manuel Locatelli, Adrien Rabiot, and Weston McKennie are expected to form the central midfield trifecta.

Andrea Cambiaso and Filip Kosric will be expected to provide the width in the final third, with Federico Chiesa partnering with Dusan Vlahovic up front.

Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Perin; Gatti, Bremer, Danilo; Cambiaso, McKennie, Locatelli, Rabiot, Kostic; Vlahovic, Chiesa

Key Stats

• Juventus are the most successful side in the competition’s history, having won it 14 times and having reached the final 21 times in total.
• Lazio have not beaten Juventus in the Coppa Italia since 2013.
• Lazio have won the Coppa Italia seven times and have made the final 10 times so far.
• Juventus have made the final of the Coppa Italia in seven of the nine previous years.
• No team in the history of the Coppa Italia has successfully overturned a first-leg deficit of two or more goals to progress to the final.

Player to Watch

Dusan Vlahovic

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The Serbian striker is Juventus’s most lethal attacker, and they will need him to be at his clinical best on Tuesday. Massimiliano Allegri is likely to adopt a safety-first approach, meaning Federico Chiesa and Vlahovic will need to capitalise on any counters they are involved in.

Vlahovic has looked good since returning from suspension and also found the back of the net in the first leg and also at the weekend. Juventus will hope he will once again be their saviour on the night.

Prediction

Lazio 2-1 Juventus (Juventus win 3-2 on aggregate)

Lazio at home have rediscovered their aura and will prove to be dogged opponents. Igor Tudor’s men are expected to put in a valiant effort that should see them win the game but fall just short of the finish line over the course of the tie.