Stadio Olimpico is preparing for Lazio vs Feyenoord on Tuesday in what is set to be a pivotal encounter towards Group E qualification. Just two points separates the top-three and a win for the hosts would massively bolster their chances of reaching the last 16.
Inconsistency has been a common theme for the Biancocelesti and they enter the match on the back of a 1-0 defeat against Bologna on Friday. Nevertheless, Lazio are unbeaten across their last five on their own turf, winning their last three successive matches at the Olimpico, so will very much welcome a return to the capital here.
Searching for successive European triumphs, Feyenoord will be looking to complete the double over their Italian opponents, following their 3-1 victory at De Kuip last month. However, they have since suffered their first Eredivisie loss of the season and face a difficult trip to Rome here. It’s time to get into our Lazio vs Feyenoord preview.
Lazio Preview
Issues for Lazio this season have predominantly come on their travels. Despite failing to win any of their first three games at the Olimpico this season, they have won all three since and have still suffered just one defeat overall in the capital. Their last two losses have come away from home and Maurizio Sarri’s side were underwhelming in their to trip to Bologna last week, registering just one shot on target. Searching for revenge after being beaten comfortably in Rotterdam last month, Lazio will fancy their chances back on home soil.
Although Lazio lost on their own turf at home to Serie A new boys Genoa in just the second match of the campaign, they have gone unbeaten at the Olimpico since. That includes three straight victories over Torino, Atalanta and Fiorentina as they enter the match here and they have kept two clean sheets in the process as well. That has improved their standing in the Serie A table but they still sit mid-table.
The Biancocelesti have won one, drawn one and lost one at the halfway point of the Champions League group stage. It was a late goal by goalkeeper Ivan Provedel that rescued a point in their opener against Atletico Madrid, whilst Pedro snatched an injury-time winner away to Celtic during Round 2. Nevertheless, Sarri’s men were comfortably beaten by Feyenoord in the reverse fixture. If Lazio are unable to find all three points here, they may struggle to make it out of the groups.
One To Watch: Ciro Immobile
The veteran captain is expected to return to the starting eleven for this one and he will look to spark a much-needed boost going forward. Lazio have lacked any real cutting edge in the final third this season and need their star man to get back to his best if they are to find a result.
Feyenoord Preview
The Dutch champions currently lead Group E and currently look good value to go on and reach the Champions League knockout rounds for the first time in their history. Having taken six points from a possible nine at the halfway stage, Feyenoord are the current favorites in the group to reach the last 16.
After proving their quality in a 3-1 win over Lazio in the reverse fixture, thanks to a brace from Santiago Gimenez and a goal from Ramiz Zerrouki, Arne Slot’s side have a good chance at getting a result in Rome. However, it is away from home where Feyenoord have struggled this term. They have dropped points in just four matches across all competitions this term but three of those have come on their travels.
That includes a 2-1 defeat away to FC Twente but De club aan de Maas responded to that loss with a 2-1 win against Waalwijk in their most recent game away from De Kuip. Nevertheless, they have been unconvincing on the road. Feyenoord have won all but one of their last nine Eredivisie games this term but still trail leaders PSV Eindhoven by seven points. It appears to be an extremely difficult task on Tuesday as they face a Lazio side who have lost just one of their last nine Champions League group stage matches.
One To Watch: Santiago Gimenez
Gimenez displayed his quality against Lazio in De Kuip as his brace helped Feyenoord to the 3-1 victory. The Mexico international has managed to score 13 in just 11 Eredivisie appearances this term too. In spite of failing to score in any of his last two, the 22-year-old will be key up top once again for the visitors.
Head-to-Head
We saw a plethora of goals go in when Feyenoord last made the visit to the Italian capital, with the Biancocelesti recording a 4-2 triumph in the Europa League group stage last season. The Dutch side managed to pick up a 1-0 win in the reverse fixture, though, as they managed to advance to the knockout rounds.
Lazio vs Feyenoord Potential Lineups & Team News
Lazio (4-3-3): Ivan Provedel; Manuel Lazzari, Patric, Alessio Romagnoli, Elseid Hysaj; Daichi Kamada, Matias Vecino, Luis Alberto; Felipe Anderson, Ciro Immobile, Mattia Zaccagni
Italian defender Nicolo Casale has been absent for the past two matches for the hosts but is nearing a return soon. However, this one may come too soon for him and Patric is expected to keep his spot next to Alessio Romagnoli. Adam Maurisc is likely to miss out on Tuesday as well but his injury is not expected to be as serious as first feared.
Feyenoord (4-3-3): Justin Bijlow; Bart Nieuwkoop, Lutsharel Geertruida, David Hancko, Quilindschy Hartman; Mats Wieffer, Quinten Timber, Rami Zerrouki; Calvin Stengs, Santiago Gimenez, Igor Paixao
Austrian defender Gernot Trauner is unlikely to play here since he has missed the last five successive matches due to injury. That means Bart Nieuwkoop should keep his spot at right-back, whilst Lutsharel Geertruida remains in the middle of defense. Yankuba Minteh has been absent for the past three games and so Calvin Stengs will be expected to remain in the forward line, with Zerrouki maintaining his spot in the midfield.
Mats Wieffer is a doubt since he missed the weekend’s match due to illness. That means Luka Ivanusec could come into the starting lineup, with Stengs potentially playing a deeper role.
Lazio vs Feyenoord Prediction
The hosts have been far from convincing of late but a return to home soil should see them at least pick up a result here. We could be in for plenty of goals, in spite of Lazio’s poor run of form going forward of late. Feyenoord will be looking to utilize their offensive prowess in order to at least register a point.
Lazio 2-2 Feyenoord