Coppa Italia Showdown: Lazio vs. Genoa Preview
As the Coppa Italia action heats up, Lazio and Genoa prepare to face off in a thrilling encounter at Stadio Olimpico on 05/12/23. This preview covers predictions, team news, and potential lineups for the clash.
Match Overview
Lazio, aiming for a third consecutive victory, is set to battle Genoa for a spot in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals. Having last lifted the cup in 2019, Lazio is eager to make a strong campaign, while Genoa enters the last 16 with aspirations of causing an upset.
Recent Form
After a brief Serie A setback, Lazio regained momentum with a Champions League win against Celtic and a domestic victory over Cagliari. Their campaign in the Coppa Italia follows a quarter-final exit last season, motivating them to secure a quarter-final berth by overcoming Genoa.
Genoa, on the other hand, impressed with a win over Modena and a dramatic triumph against Reggiana in the earlier rounds of the Coppa Italia. The team’s solid mid-table position in Serie A showcases their capability, and a recent draw against Empoli adds to their resilience.
Head-to-Head Clash
In their recent Serie A encounter, Genoa surprised Lazio with a victory at Stadio Olimpico. Mateo Retegui’s decisive goal was a turning point, setting the stage for an intriguing cup clash between these two sides.
Team News
Lazio
Lazio’s coach, Maurizio Sarri, is expected to rotate the squad, providing opportunities to fringe players. Taty Castellanos and Daichi Kamada could feature, while defensive options are limited due to injuries. Nicolo Casale is nearing a return, but Alessio Romagnoli remains sidelined. Patric and Mario Gila might continue in the heart of the defense.
Genoa
Genoa welcomes back Mateo Retegui and Junior Messias but faces absences, including Albert Gudmundsson, Mattia Bani, and Kevin Strootman. Ruslan Malinovskyi, despite a Serie A suspension, is expected to start.
Possible Lineups
Lazio: Sepe; Hysaj, Patric, Gila, Pellegrini; Kamada, Cataldi, Vecino; Isaksen, Castellanos, Anderson.
Genoa: Martinez; De Winter, Dragusin, Vasquez; Hefti, Thorsby, Kutlu, Malinovskyi, Haps; Puscas, Retegui.
Match Prediction
Anticipating a high-stakes encounter, Lazio holds a home advantage that could prove crucial. A 2-1 victory for Lazio seems likely, setting the stage for a potential Derby della Capitale clash in the quarter-finals against arch-rivals Roma.