This should be a very interesting match between two Italian giants, with Lazio fighting for the European places and Parma battling for survival. Both sides suffered difficult defeats last weekend and will enter this game hoping to record a morale-boosting victory.

Lazio still in 5th place

Lazio have been pretty impressive this season and they had even led the title race during the first part of the season, but the Biancocelesti have suffered a small in form during the second part of the league campaign. Edy Reja’s side have lost last three away games, thus significantly damaging their chance of achieving a top four finish, but they continue to play well at home, having won five out of last six games at Olimpico. Lazio were unlucky to lose 4:3 to Napoli last weekend, having played pretty well during big part of the game, and they are now hoping to make amends for the defeat by beating sorry Parma. The hosts face certain selection problems, but they should still have enough quality to win this game, especially with Hernanes, Sculli and Zarate all in the side.

Giuseppe Biava, Stefano Mauri and Matuzalem miss out through suspension, whereas Mobido Diakite, Mourad Meghni and Stefan Radu are out injured.

Parma sinking further down

What started as a very promising season for Parma could end in utter disappointment, with the Gialloblu largely struggling to leave the danger zone following the poor run of results. Parma have major problems both home and away, as witnessed by the home defeat to bottom-placed Bari and they will have to show a massive improvement in order to get something from this game. The Gialloblu have somehow managed to bring five points from last three travels, but that cannot give you a clear picture of their performances as they are by no means the side that can stop Lazio from winning this match. While not being such a poor team, Parma do lack a good guidance from the bench and that is probably the main reason for the disappointing showings this season.

The visitors will be without suspended Stefano Morrone, while Rafael Palladino, Ze Eduardo and Fernando Marques are out with injuries.

Verdict

Lazio have stabilized their home form and they look like hot favourites against poor Parma side, who seem to be all over the place at the moment. The home defeat to Bari is likely to leave very negative effect on the players’ confidence, meaning that Lazio will have a great chance to pick up all three points.

Our prediction: Home win

Odds: 1.80 (4/5)

Bookmaker: Bet365