Sitting in second and third place respectively, Lazio and Marseille face each other with the mission of making it through to the Round of 16. Both teams will expect nothing less than a win at the Stadio Olimpico.
This is the second such pairing between the teams at this stage of Europa League since they clashed in the group stages in 2018/19.
Preview
The Biancocelesti captured their first win of the tournament on matchday two, a 2-0 win against Lokomotiv Moscow, before which they succumbed to a 1-0 loss away at Galatasaray from Thomas Stakosha’s unfortunate own goal.
However, their most recent Serie A match was a 3-1 win over ex-manager Simone Inzaghi’s Inter – a result that will have boosted Lazio’s morale on field. Moreover, the Roman outfit’s record against French opposition remains impeccable, winning each of theirlast four matches against St. Etienne, Nice, Marseille and Rennes.
Marseille have lost each of their last five matches against Italian opposition in Europe – Inter, Napoli and Lazio all emerging winners against Les Marseillais. They have not registered a win so far in the Europa League this season after two matchdays and come into the encounter on the back of a 4-1 win over Lorient – their only win in five previous games.
The southerners are also winless in nine away games in Europe (W0, D2, L7), scoring just once in their last five trips away from home. Anything less than a win will mean that the French side will be looking at the exit door.
Previous Results
Lazio – L, L, W, D, L
Marseille – W, D, W, L, W
Expected Lineups and Team News
Lazio
Maurizio Sarri has a fully fit team at his disposal, with no major injuries or knocks.
4-3-2-1 – Strakosha; Lazzari, Felipe, Acerbi, Hysaj; Alberto, Leiva, Milinkovic-Savic; Pedro, Immobile, Anderson
Marseille
Similarly, Jorge Sampaoli has a near-perfect squad for the clash, with Amine Harit’s groin problem the only real concern for the French side.
3-3-3-1 – Lopez; Saliba, Gonzalez, Peres; Lirola, Kamara, Guendouzi; Under, Payet, De la Fuente; Milik
Prediction: Lazio 2-1 Marseille
Lazio’s home advantage cannot be ignored against a faltering Marseille, especially in Europe. The French side can be expected to succumb to yet another defeat at the hands of a Biancocelesti outfit high on morale.