Lazio vs Inter Milan
Serie A is back this weekend and there’s no doubting the match of the weekend (although Juventus v Roma will push it close).
Saturday teatime in the capital and a meeting between two teams with little love lost.
Add in a manager who switched camps in the summer and Serie A highlights surely await.
Talking Points
Incoming Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi has certainly made a good start with the Nerazzurri, carrying on where they left off last term and in hot pursuit of early league leaders Napoli.
It was clearly a tumultuous summer for the Italian champions as they suffered a host of high-profile departures that slashed the odds of defending their crown and devastated the club’s players and supporters,
Yet they have coped largely well so far – even though I doubt they will have enough to retain the title – and were still able to attract a high profile manager.
Inzaghi was, of course, in the opposite dugout last term.
He took over as Lazio’s manager in 2016, impressing since then and notably leading them to the Coppa Italia two years ago.
His replacement, Maurizio Sarri, also made a fast start as Lazio boss on his return to Serie A (he guided Juventus to the 2020 title), although was brought firmly back to earth with a bump last time out in a 3-0 reverse at Bologna.
They had experienced centre-back Francesco Acerbi sent off in that defeat so he will be suspended this weekend.
The hosts could also be without star striker Ciro Immobile and midfielder Mattia Zaccagni.
Lazio president Claudio Lotito wants a response after that lacklustre performance so who better for the Biancocelesti to face then the reigning champions.
This weekend, a man familiar with both teams could also be absent.
Argentina international Joaquin Correa suffered an injury in the World Cup Qualifier against Uruguay a few days ago and is a doubt.
The forward followed the path taken by former Aquile coach Inzaghi when he moved from Lazio to Inter on loan with an obligation to buy this summer – whether he is fit enough to take part at the Olimpico remains to be seen (on loan players can play against their parent clubs in Serie A).
In addition, there are doubts over the availability of midfielder Stefano Sensi, while Inzaghi will be unable to call upon the services of young Brazilian goalkeeper Gabriel Brazao.
On saying that, the first choice remains Swiss shot-stopper Samir Handanovic who never fails to impress me.
Now in his 10th season at the San Siro, the custodian is the longest-serving player in the whole of Serie A with more than 520 appearances.
The 38-year-old has been playing his football in Italy since 2004 and has spent every single year in the Italian top-flight except for the 2006-2007 season where he played in Serie B with Rimini.
He will lead Inter into battle once again this weekend.
It should be quite a battle.
History
Inter have a fine record against Lazio. Indeed, Lazio have only won two of their last 10 meetings.
In March 2019, a Sergej Milinkovic-Savic header earned them a win in the San Siro – a feat they repeated at Rome the following season when Milinkovic-Savic again netted the winner.
This corresponding meeting last term finished in honours even as Lautaro Martinez and Milinkovic-Savic traded goals in a contest in which both sides finished with 10 men.
The return fixture in February, en route to their Scudetto triumph, saw Inter run out 3-1 winners, thanks to a Romelu Lukaku double and a goal from Martinez secure the points.
Milinkovic-Savic (who else!) netted the Lazio reply.
Historically in the Italian top flight, Inter have won 65 times compared to 54 draws and Lazio’s 37 successes.
Their most famous meeting came in the 1998 UEFA Cup Final (now Europa League) in which Inter recorded a 3-0 victory.
Betting Tip
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Lazio vs Inter Milan | 1X2 Draw @ 3.20 |
| October 17, 00:00 (GMT+8) |
The SBOTOP Serie A betting odds give Inter the edge.
The reigning champions are priced 1X2 @ 2.28 and Asian Handicap -0.50, also @ 2.28.
Lazio, meanwhile, also have attractive odds of 1X2 @ 3.10 or Asian Handicap 0.00 @ 2.47.
The First Half betting can be harder to estimate and, again, there are a range of bets to consider.
Inter are First Half 1X2 @ 2.78 and First Half Asian Handicap -0.25 @ 2.28, while the hosts are First Half 1X2 @ 3.55 and First Half Asian Handicap 0.00 @ 2.21.
If there is to be another 1-1 draw, then Correct Score will payout @ 6.20.
That has tempted me I must say.
There has only been one goalless draw in 13 years between these two and I am not expecting another.
As for those options, why not consider over 3.00 goals @ 2.08, total goal 0-1 @ 4.60, 2-3 @ 2.13 and 4-6 @ 2.67.
This is a close one to call but one I think will end up in honours even and my *** prediction is a 1X2 Draw @ 3.20.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
| = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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