Lazio's season began with promise, raising hopes of emulating their previous campaign's success.
On a Monday night at the iconic Stadio Olimpico, two Serie A teams, each grappling with their own struggles, will lock horns in a critical battle.
Lazio, positioned 9th, will face off against 15th-placed Udinese, in a contest that could have significant ramifications for both sides' aspirations this season.
FT | #BayernLazio 3-0⏹️ Termina la partita #UCL | #CMonEagles 🦅 pic.twitter.com/ptK8WmnzDo— S.S.Lazio (@OfficialSSLazio) March 5, 2024
FT | #BayernLazio 3-0⏹️ Termina la partita #UCL | #CMonEagles 🦅 pic.twitter.com/ptK8WmnzDo
A recent downturn, highlighted by a 1-2 defeat to Bologna and subsequent losses in both domestic and European competitions, has triggered concerns.
Despite this, Maurizio Sarri's squad remains hopeful of clinching a top 6 finish to secure European football next season.
Notably, Lazio's recent fixtures at the Stadio Olimpico have tended towards low-scoring affairs, with five of the last six matches witnessing under 2.5 goals.
Udinese, meanwhile, is entrenched in a desperate fight to avoid relegation, sitting perilously close to the drop zone with just a one-point buffer.
Their season has been marked by a dearth of victories, with a stunning win over Juventus standing out as a rare highlight in a campaign otherwise characterized by draws and narrow defeats.
With just three wins from 24 games, the challenge for Udinese is stark, and a positive result against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico could provide a crucial lifeline.
Lazio has shown resilience at home, with just two losses in their last six games across all competitions, indicating a solid if unspectacular, form at the Stadio Olimpico.
Udinese's recent matches in Serie A have been tightly contested, with under 2.5 goals scored in their six most recent outings, pointing to a defensively cautious approach.
Lazio holds a strong record in recent encounters with Udinese, remaining unbeaten in their last six Serie A matchups.
This historical edge will provide the Biancocelesti with confidence heading into Monday's match.
Lazio will be without the injured Patric and Nicolo Rovella, while Luca Pellegrini, Adam Marusic, and Matteo Guendouzi are suspended following red cards in their last match against Milan. Udinese's squad is similarly constrained, with Jaka Bijol and Enzo Ebosse sidelined due to injuries, and Walace and Festy Ebosele serving suspensions.
As the teams prepare for this vital clash, predictions point towards a tense, low-scoring draw at the Stadio Olimpico.
Both Lazio and Udinese will be acutely aware of the stakes, with every point crucial in their respective battles for European qualification and Serie A survival.