Match Overview
The Serie A Matchday 2 clash between Lazio and Verona is scheduled for August 31st at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. This comprehensive preview delves into the match-up, providing an in-depth analysis, key statistics, and a betting prediction.
Lazio’s Current Form
Maurizio Sarri’s squad experienced a difficult start to their Serie A campaign, falling to Como with a 0-2 defeat on the road in their opening fixture. This marked Lazio’s second consecutive loss in the league, with the team failing to find the back of the net in both encounters. Furthermore, the club has conceded goals in their last four championship matches. Currently, the Roman side finds itself in the bottom quarter of the league table, only ahead of Torino on goal difference.
Key Statistics for Lazio
- The team has drawn 6 of their last 7 home matches in Serie A.
- Both teams have scored in 10 of the club’s last 11 home league games.
- The Roman Eagles have scored exactly 1 or 2 goals in 6 of their last 7 home fixtures in Serie A.
Lazio’s Predicted Line-up (4-3-3)*
Ivan Provedel – Manuel Lazzari, Mario Gila, Oliver Nielsen, Nuno Tavares – Matteo Guendouzi, Danilo Cataldi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru – Matteo Cancellieri, Valentin Castellanos, Mattia Zaccagni.
Verona’s Performance Review
Paolo Zanetti’s men commenced their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Udinese on their home turf. This result extended Verona’s unbeaten run in the league to four matches (comprising 1 win and 3 draws). However, it also marked their seventh consecutive Serie A fixture without keeping a clean sheet. With a single point, Verona currently occupies a mid-table position.
Team Reinforcements for Verona
Notably, ahead of this fixture, the club bolstered its squad with the additions of defender Armel Bella-Kotchap and forward Gift Orban.
Verona’s Away Statistics
- The team has failed to win in 6 of their last 8 away matches in Serie A (2 draws, 4 losses).
- A maximum of two goals has been scored in 10 of the club’s last 11 away league encounters.
- Verona has not conceded more than one goal in 9 of their last 10 away Serie A matches.
Verona’s Predicted Line-up (3-5-2)*
Lorenzo Montipo – Unai Nuñez, Martin Frese, Victor Nelsson – Domagoj Bradarić, Suat Serdar, Antoine Bernede, Cheick Niassé, Fallou Cissé – Amin Sarr, Giovane.
Verona Team News
Defender Nicolas Valentini and midfielder Tomáš Suslov are sidelined for this match due to injuries.
Match Official Profile
Valerio Crezzini (Italy)
Referee’s Statistics
Matches officiated – 14 (Serie B, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 53;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.8;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 30;
Penalties awarded – 21%.
Match Prediction: Lazio vs Verona
Lazio has struggled to deliver compelling attacking performances even on their home ground recently. In their last 12 home Serie A matches, the Biancocelesti have scored more than one goal on just three occasions, and failed to score at all in two of those encounters. Concurrently, in 13 of their last 17 home league fixtures, the club has not conceded more than a single goal.
Verona’s Defensive Approach Away From Home
On the road, Verona generally does not boast high scoring rates, preferring a cautious, defensively-minded approach. In their last 11 away Serie A confrontations, Paolo Zanetti’s side scored more than one goal only once, and remarkably, failed to find the net in five of those matches. Moreover, they rarely allow opponents to showcase strong attacking prowess: in 9 of their last 10 away league games, Verona conceded a maximum of one goal, keeping two clean sheets during this period.
Final Betting Tip
Considering these trends, I do not anticipate a high-scoring affair in this match. Therefore, my prediction is: Total Goals Under 3 with odds of 1.60
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Mark Thompson