Lazio - Udinese predictions and free betting tips [11/03/2024]

Today the 28th round of Italian Serie A sees Lazio hosting Udinese on their home turf. Last Tuesday, the "biancocelesti" were unable to maintain the advantage against Bayern in the Champions League and dropped out of the tournament, while the "zebras" are just one point ahead of the relegation zone.   

Lazio 

Lazio secured 2nd place in last season's Serie A standings but isn't even close to replicating such results in the current campaign. At present, the biancocelesti rank 9th overall, trailing the top six by 6 points. The Romans have shown inconsistent form in recent weeks, losing 3 out of their last 4 league matches and only securing a single victory. Following victory over Torino (0:2), Maurizio Sarri's team conceded to Fiorentina (2:1) and Milan (0:1) over the weekend. Notably, Luca Pellegrini, Matteo Guendouzi and Adam Marusic received red cards in the second half. Last week, the sky-blue team dropped out of the Champions League 1/8 finals following defeat to Bayern (3:0), with Fabio Capello lambasting Sarri on Italian television after the game for disregarding a counter-attacking style of play, resulting in a complete absence of threatening moments at Neuer's goal.

In the ongoing domestic campaign, the "Eagles" have been disappointing at the Olimpico: In 13 home games, they've accrued just 21 points (the 10th indicator in the division), netted 13 goals, and conceded 10. Lazio will be without Patrick (defender) and Rovella (midfielder) due to injuries; moreover, fullbacks Marusic and Pellegrini, along with central midfielder Guendouzi, are suspended following red cards last round. Uruguayan Vecino is being considered to replace Guendouzi in midfield, whilst Ciro Immobile (6 goals) will lead the line. Wingers Dzakcani (3 goals) and Felipe Anderson (3 goals and 6 assists) will certainly start and experienced Pedro might reinforce the game in the second half coming off the bench.

Udinese

Facing relegation threats this season, Udinese sits 15th in the Serie A table and has only managed to edge ahead of 18th-place Sassuolo by a single point. Lately, the Friulians have been grappling with colossal issues, a fact underscored by their sole victory in the last nine rounds, with four draws and four defeats. Following a 2:0 fiasco against Genoa, the visitors settled for a draw at home against struggling Salernitana last weekend (1:1). Surprisingly, the stripe-wearers secured only three victories over 27 league matches but managed to triumph over Juventus, Milan, and Bologna! Udinese's fifteen draws this season set an absolute record in the current Serie A competition.

The squad still misses centre-back Bjel, as well as experienced Ebosele and Deulofeu due to injury. Moreover, midfielder Walas is suspended due to a red card. Defender Christensen's return from suspension is a welcome piece of news. Centre-back Gennetti, a winter arrival, has already proved to be a reliable pillar in the defence area; the attacking duo will be formed by Frenchman Toven (4 goals and 2 assists) and Lucca (6 goals and 3 assists). Lazar Samardzic is expected to return to midfield, where Lovric, Payero, and Kamara will also likely start.

Head-to-Head

The hosts have not defeated Lazio in front of the home crowd since 2014, and the first-leg duel ended in a 1:2 away win for the Romans. 

Match prediction: Lazio - Udinese

Facing 17 games without victory against Lazio on the road does not bode well for the "zebras" ahead of Monday's clash at the Olimpico. Despite their midweek defeat in the Champions League, the "Eagles" are vying for a European spot and simply cannot afford to trip up - otherwise, the gap to Atalanta, currently sixth, will be extremely hard to recover. My prediction is a victory for the favourites.