Torino remained at a safe distance from the bottom three in spite of the heavy defeat to Parma, but Granata have got to try and return to winning ways or risk slipping into the danger zone. Lazio damaged their top 3 chances by losing at home to Fiorentina, but the Biancocelesti are now hoping to build on yet another impressive performance in Europa League.

Torino in problems

Torino chiefs did a great job in the summer transfer window, having managed to sign seasoned Serie A players such as Mario Santana, Matteo Brighi, Jean-Francois Gillet, Valter Birsa and Alessandro Gazzi, and that has helped the team a great deal in an attempt to avoid a straight return to Serie B. Under the command of Giampiero Ventura, the team gelled much quicker than anyone could predict, with some solid showings seeing them pull well clear of the relegation zone. However, they have suffered a big dip in form over the last few weeks, picking up just five points from last six matches, so Granata will be under pressure when they take on very good Lazio side. With key defender Angelo Ogbonna still struggling with a thigh injury, defensive problems that saw them concede eight goals in last three matches look likely to continue. Torino haven’t really impressed at home this season, and Lazio could easily become the fifth side to take maximum points from Stadio Olimpico this term.

Angelo Ogbonna is a major doubt, while Abou Diop is still banned after being sent off against Cagliari a couple of weeks ago.

Very important match for Lazio

Even with a pretty thin squad at his disposal, Vladimir Petkovic has done brilliantly to keep his side in the running in no less than three major competitions, and Lazio are on the verge of turning this season into a huge success. The Biancocelesti beat Serie A leaders Juventus to a place in the Coppa Italia final, while they eased off to Europa League quarter-finals, where they are favourites to see off Fenerbahce. While those two campaigns are progressing quite nicely, Lazio are slowly falling behind in the Serie A top 3 race, which makes the match against Torino extremely important. Home defeat to Fiorentina came at a very bad time, but comfortable victory over Stuttgart in midweek helped the players restore some of the lost confidence. The visitors have some important missings at the moment, especially up front, but that shouldn’t be a problem after Libor Kozak continued his amazing scoring run by bagging a hat-trick in midweek.

Important midfielder Hernanes misses out through suspension, whilst Andre Dias and Federico Marchetti are injury doubts. Miroslav Klose, Sergio Floccari, Abdoulay Konko and Cristian Brocchi remain in the infirmary.

Verdict

There is a lot at stake for both sides, but I have to admit I fancy Lazio here. Torino are clearly far from the desired form and conceding goals for fun, whereas the Biancocelesti are boosted by the big win over Stuttgart and very motivated to make amends for the home defeat to Fiorentina.

Top pick: Lazio Draw no bet   2.20 (6/5) @ BetVictor

Alternative pick 1: Draw at half-time   2.05 (21/20) @ bet365

Alternative pick 2: Both teams to score – No   1.91 (10/11) @ Paddy Power

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