With only one loss in their last eight Serie A matches, in-form Lazio are set to play host to struggling Sassuolo, who have registered only one win in six games across all competitions. Forthcoming clash is of great importance for both sides as three points in this game could make a great difference to their spot on the table.

Inzaghi’s Eagles flying high

Lazio’s young squad have been widely praised for their impressive performances this season, which allowed them to climb to fifth in the standings. Simone Inzaghi was given an unexpected permanent role on the bench after Marcelo Bielsa failed to honour his deal with the club, but the forced choice proved to be the right one for the club as Lazio excelled under former Italy striker. Inzaghi earned a fair share of approval of his own with his brave approach and decision to play youngsters such as Danilo Cataldi or Patric Gabarron. Going unbeaten in their last five Serie A games, Lazio are coming off from an impressive 4-1 win over Cagliari. The Eagles opened the scoring after only 6 minutes through Keita, while Ciro Immobile scored a first-half brace to get his team a comfortable cushion before the break. Anderson scored the fourth, while Cagliari managed to get one in, but through Wallace who put the ball inside his own net. Lazio are now only one point behind fourth-placed AC Milan and two adrift of the third-placed Napoli, which makes three points against Sassuolo of paramount importance.

Stefan de Vrij’s metatarsal fracture has kept him out of action for most part of the season so far. Lazio will also have to do without Lucas Biglia, who is not expected to get back to action for another month and a half. Jordan Lukaku is having ankle problems, while Bastos is struggling with a muscular injury.

European dream comes at a cost

Lowly Sassuolo have been one of the most exciting football stories Europe-wide. From fourth tier of the Italian football to Europa League in just a decade’s time, this Italian club has come a great distance much to the excitement of their set of fans. Both players and supporters have been living a dream of late, but it is a dream which comes at a cost. The new 2016-2017 season has so far been a turbulent ride with Sassuolo alternating between wins and defeats for the most part of it. Having lost five of their initial ten games in the Serie A, Sassuolo’s latest slump occurred in the midweek as Eusebio Di Francesco’s men succumbed to a 3-1 defeat to AS Roma. Despite opening the scoring through Cannavaro twelve minutes in the game, Sassuolo failed to hold on to their lead allowing Roma to get back up thanks to Edin Dzeko’s brace and another one from Nainggolan. Stuck in the thirteenth place in the standings, Sassuolo are facing the second big test in a row as they travel to in-form Lazio. Sassuolo have won both of the last season’s encounters against Lazio, but plenty has changed since then and Di Francesco’s side will have to be extremely careful on Sunday in Rome.

Francesco Magnanelli has missed most part of the action this season and is yet to recover from his injury. Tino Letschert and Simone MIssiroli’s contribution has also been severely limited, while the visitors will also be without Domenico Berardi, who is recovering from his knee injury and is not expected back for another few weeks.

Verdict

Lazio will be highly motivated heading into the game against out-of-form Sassuolo. Having lost both of the clashes last season, Inzaghi’s men will be looking for a payback as they search for another three points to remain in the running for the top spot(s) in the league. Sassuolo are having plenty of problems this season and we are fairly confident Lazio will have no problems registering a win at the weekend.

Top pick: Lazio   1.70 (7/10) @WilliamHill

Alternative pick 1: Lazio/Lazio   2.70 (17/10) @BetVictor

Alternative pick 2: Both teams to score – yes   1.73 (8/11) @Ladbrokes