JUVENTUS VS LAZIO
Juventus will look to get their faltering title defence back on track when they host Lazio in an Italian Serie A clash at the Allianz Stadium. The Champions are playing catch-up to the Milan clubs this season but should use their experience to good effect against a dangerous Lazio side.
Juventus have rediscovered some consistency over recent months, particularly on home soil, as they are unbeaten in 10 matches at the Allianz Stadium, winning nine of those fixtures.
Indeed, Andrea Pirlo has not even seen his side concede a goal in any of their last six home games and Juve boast Serie A’s meanest defence this season, as they have conceded just 20 goals from their 24 games to date.
A simply incredible hit by Inzaghi! 💥⚽️#GoalOfTheDay #ForzaJuve pic.twitter.com/4csKgME8xX
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) March 3, 2021
With the season slowly winding down and the games running out, Andrea Pirlo’s men know they can afford no further slip-ups in the title race. One of the positives for Juventus this season is their record at the Allianz Stadium, where they are currently on a six-match winning run.
By contrast, Lazio’s form has faltered over recent weeks, as the Biancocelesti have lost three of their last four matches across all competitions.
TEAM NEWS
Alvaro Morata, who scored as a substitute in the triumph over Spezia, is widely expected to return to the starting XI, while defender Giorgio Chiellini should recover in time to face Lazio.
Players doubtful for Juventus: Matthijs de Ligt, Leonardo Bonucci, Juan Cuadrado, Paulo Dybala, Giorgio Chiellini, and Arthur.
Both Luiz Felipe and Radu remain on the treatment table, while Lazzari should be fit to face the Bianconeri.
Players doubtful for Lazio: Manuel Lazzari, Stefan Radu and Luiz Felipe.
GAME CHANGERS
With 20 Serie A goals this season, Cristiano Ronaldo is undoubtedly the man to watch for Juventus with the Portugal forward once again leading by example this season for the Old Lady.
It is also worth keeping an eye on Alvaro Morata who has somewhat rediscovered his scoring touch in recent matches, and might be the man to show up this Saturday night.
Top performers for Juventus this season have been; Cristiano Ronaldo 20 goals 2 assists, Federico Chiesa 7 goals 5 assists and Alvaro Morata 5 goals 7 assists.
As always, Lazio will look to Ciro Immobile for goals on Saturday with goals coming at a premium for opponents at the Allianz Stadium.
Top performers for Lazio this season have been; Ciro Immobile 14 goals 3 assists, Luis Alberto 7 goals and Felipe Caicedo 6 goals.
#TrainingSession ✅
🔸 @wesleyhoedt e @LucasLeiva87 decidono la partitella finale nell'allenamento di oggi!#CMonEagles 🦅 pic.twitter.com/rdD8IUwieQ— S.S.Lazio (@OfficialSSLazio) March 3, 2021
PREDICTION
It has not been a routine title defence for the Old Lady as they currently sit third on the table, way behind leaders Inter Milan.
Simone Inzaghi’s men had been the form side in Serie A at the turn of the year as a run of eight wins and just two defeats put them in the conversation for European qualification. However, defeats to Inter Milan and Bologna saw them lose momentum.
Juventus have 35 wins from 65 previous matches while Lazio have claimed 17 victories. Both teams have battled to 13 stalemates, including a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture at the Stadio Olimpico.
The goals have also been drying up for Simone Inzaghi’s side of late, as they have netted just four in their last five games, while even leading marksman Ciro Immobile is struggling following a run of one goal in his last seven appearances.
All the signs are certainly suggesting Juventus should win this game and therefore, FootTheBall says, Juventus 2-1 Lazio.