Maurizio Sarri maintains Inter are ‘probably the best team’ in Serie A, but still trusts Lazio to ‘fight it out with them in a one-off match.’
It kicks off on Friday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT) at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
“We are facing probably the best team in Serie A this season and the physically strongest too,” said Sarri in his press conference.
“They are one of the big favourites for the Scudetto, with top level defenders and midfielders, not to even mention their strike force. I thought they were the favourites last season too, but the Scudetto was decided by details. Inter will be protagonists this term too.
“Having said that, we proved last season that we can fight it out with them in a one-off match and we can do it again.”
Lazio won 3-1 on home turf in October 2021, losing narrowly by a 2-1 scoreline in the reverse fixture in January.
It also represents a return home for Simone Inzaghi, who famously spent most of his playing and then coaching career with Lazio.
“He should be remembered here with great respect and admiration. Inzaghi was already at a high level while in charge of Lazio, as a coach he has only improved in charge of a team with more potential.”
Although Luis Maximiano is available again after his one-match ban, he is still likely to be dropped in favour of Ivan Provedel.
The new goalkeeper lasted just six minutes into his Serie A debut before getting sent off for handling outside the penalty area.
….PROBABLY.