A last-gasp victory over rivals Parma ensured Lazio remained on course towards a top 5 finish, but the Bianocelcesti need to defeat Sampdoria as well if they want to keep their Europa League hopes alive. The Bluecerchiati continued the good run with a goalless draw against Fiorentina, but they could face a difficult task at Stadio Olimpico.

Crucial victory for Lazio

These past few years have not exactly been too successful for Lazio, and the club are expected to invest heavily in the summer in an attempt to help the team return to old glory days. However, the Biancocelesti first need to try and make the most out of the current season, with Europa League qualification the main objective at the moment. Having largely struggled under Vladimir Petkovic, Lazio have shown some improvement since Edoardo Reja took over, even if numerous injuries and suspension were making life difficult for the new boss. While showing plenty of promise in some games, the Biancocelesti have been pretty disappointing in others, which is enough to suggest that inconsistency has been the biggest issue. However, after showing a lot of character to score a late winner against top 5 rivals Parma, Lazio have a very good chance to edge closer to the Europa League berth with a triumph over indifferent Sampdoria. With the return of captain Mauri, the creative department now looks pretty impressive, while veteran striker Miroslav Klose continues to prove he still has a lot to offer.

Alvaro Gonzalez and Lucas Biglia have resumed full training, but Cristian Ledesma, Andre Dias and Diego Novaretti are unavailable.

Survival is secured

It is fair to say Sampdoria have experienced a genuine renaissance under their former player Sinisa Mihajlovic, having left the danger zone in no time and gone on to climb on the verge of top half positions. With 41 points to their name at the moment, the Bluecerchiati have clearly ensured survival, with impressive showings against bottom table sides proving crucial this season. Meanwhile, Sampdoria have failed to prove they can match the best sides in the league, having picked up mere three points from nine matches against top 5 sides this season. Having also lost both matches to AC Milan, another top side, the Bluecerchiati clearly have a problem when facing Italy’s strongest sides. And while the team are currently in a very good form, I still doubt they can match a side like Lazio away from home. With key defender Daniele Gastaldello sidelined, Lorenzo De Silvestri will be the only experienced player in the back four, so expect the visitors to have major problems in trying to contain the likes of Klose, Candreva, Mauri and Lulic.

Daniele Gastaldello has been ruled out with a leg injury, while fellow defender Andrea Costa is doubtful with a hand problem.

Verdict

Lazio are slowly returning to the right track and their quality and experience up front is likely to prove crucial when facing youthful Sampdoria defence. The Bluecerchiati have failed to prove they can match the league’s top sides this season and I fully expect the trend to continue.

Top pick: Home win   1.80 (4/5) @ Coral

Alternative pick 1: Under 2.5 goals   1.78 (39/50) @ BetVictor

Alternative pick 2: Home win to nil   2.80 (9/5) @ Paddy Power