This is an intriguing battle of 4-3-3 tacticians, but Maurizio Sarri is under pressure after another loss that saw Lazio placed into a training retreat.
The Aquile are frustratingly inconsistent, able to beat Roma and Inter, then suffer heavy three-goal margin defeats to Bologna and Hellas Verona. Sarri insists the issue is one of mentality rather than fatigue, which is why the squad was put into a training retreat to better prepare for this match. It will be his 200th Serie A game as a coach.
There is a boost with the return of Francesco Acerbi and Luiz Felipe from suspension, but Luis Alberto should again be dropped for Toma Basic.
Fiorentina made short work of Cagliari in a 3-0 victory, including Dusan Vlahovic free kick and inspired performance from Riccardo Saponara, who should retain his spot in the trident attack. Vincenzo Italiano has the Viola playing exciting football in a similar style to Sarri, so this may well be an open and entertaining match.
Form Guide: Lazio (L W L W D) Fiorentina (W L L W L)
Stat fact: Lazio could go the opening 10 Serie A rounds without a clean sheet, something they only managed in 1934-35 and 1948-49.
Probable line-ups
Lazio (4-3-3): Reina; Marusic, Luiz Felipe, Acerbi, Hysaj; Milinkovic-Savic, Cataldi, Basic; Felipe Anderson, Immobile, Pedro
Suspended: None
Injured: Zaccagni
On a yellow card: None
Fiorentina (4-3-3): Terracciano; Odriozola, Milenkovic, Martinez-Quarta, Biraghi; Bonaventura, Torreira, Duncan; Gonzalez, Vlahovic, Saponara
Suspended: None
Injured: Dragowski, Pulgar
On a yellow card: Bonaventura, Odriozola
Very tricky one to call. I’ll go for a score draw.
Dont get it why Sarri insists on Marusic while Lazzari is way better. Also, give Moro a chance, Pedro suck!
Man why we always get these tough games when opponent teams are sent into retreat and result is of life and death importance to them. I would really prefer a relaxed and care free Lazio we all saw w/ Verona.