Lazio’s Champions League hopes were dealt with a major blow as the Biancocelesti lost last three games, and they are now in a very difficult position before the Genoa game. The Rossoblu, on the other hand, have been in great form of late and they definitely stand a chance of getting something from Olimpico.

Lazio fall at the final hurdle

Despite spending a big part of the league campaign sitting very close to the top of the standings, Lazio could now not only miss out on the Champions League qualification, but on Europa League as well, following the dismal run of results. The Biancocelesti have clearly been unable to cope with the pressure of expectations, with their defeats to Inter, Juventus and Udinese showing Edy Reja’s side are still not ready for the big stage. The players are clearly very low on confidence at the moment, but are still under pressure to at least remain in sixth place and thus ensure European qualification, so there is no doubt they will face a tough task against in-form Genoa. To make matters worse, Edy Reja will be without several very important players, and taking all that into account I really can’t see why Lazio are considered hot favourites by the bookies in this clash.

Andre Dias, Cristian Brocchi and Libor Kozak are suspended, while Mourad Meghni, Stefan Radu and Mobido Diakite are out with injuries. Lichtsteiner and Garrido are injury doubts.

Genoa flying high

After selling several star players last summer, Genoa were always going to have problems this season, but the Rossoblu have done pretty well considering the circumstances. The team needed some time to gel, which was hardly a surprise considering the massive changes in the playing squad last summer, but Davide Ballardini’s men have recently started to show what they are capable of. Three wins in last four games have proven the Rossoblu are in very good form at the moment, with narrow defeats to Napoli and Juventus showing they are not too far away from Italy’s best sides. Genoa players are high on confidence after winning the big derby over Sampdoria and being under no pressure at the moment, they are expected to continue the rich vein of form against struggling Lazio.

Giandomenico Mesto is suspended, while back-up keeper Alessio Scarpi is out through injury.

Verdict

Lazio are struggling for form at the moment and even though they desperately need three points from this match, the Biancocelesti could face a tough task against in-form Genoa. Seeing they have absolutely nothing to lose and that they are playing really well at the moment, the Rossoblu could get something from this match.

Our prediction: Genoa with +1.25 Asian handicap

Odds: 1.86 (43/50)

Bookmaker: 188BET