On Saturday afternoon, the Romans head to the MAPEI Stadium with the aim of putting a point on the board after a mixed start to the season. Their last outing was a dominant 4‑0 thrashing of Hellas Verona, a game in which they held 70% of the possession and fired off six shots on target. Goals from Matteo Guendouzi, Mattia Zaccagni, Valentin Castellanos and Boulaye Dia showed that the attack has several genuine threats.
Sassuolo, on the other hand, are trying to shake off a wobble that has seen them lose two league games in a row. The most recent defeat was a 3‑2 loss to Cremonese, a match where they actually owned the ball – 58% possession – and created five clear chances. Despite the numbers, they failed to keep a clean sheet and now face a test of character against a side that has historically had the upper hand.
The rivalry between Lazio and Sassuolo has been one‑sided for a while. In the last five Serie A meetings, the Biancocelesti have never been beaten, recording four wins and a solitary draw. Their most recent two visits to the MAPEI Stadium ended with 2‑0 victories, and the Romans have kept a clean sheet in nine consecutive away games against Sassuolo.
Sassuolo’s record at home is less flattering. They have managed only one unbeaten result – a 1‑1 stalemate in May 2024 – and have let in goals in every other meeting. Still, they have never suffered three straight home defeats to Lazio, which gives them a sliver of hope that a draw is within reach.
Coachial expectations suggest Sassuolo will stick to the system that has served them well: a back four of Walukiewicz, Idzes, Muharemović and Doig shielding Muric in goal, with a midfield trio of Kone, Matic and Vranckx dictating tempo. Up front, the trio of Berardi, Pinamonti and Lauriente will be tasked with breaking down a Lazio defence that is likely to line up with Provedel, Marušić, Gila, Romagnoli and Tavares.
Lazio’s probable eleven features a similar defensive shape – Provedel, Marušić, Gila, Romagnoli and Tavares – but with a midfield that blends creativity and grit: Guendouzi, Rovella and Dele‑Bashiru. The front three of Cancellieri, Castellanos and Zaccagni should give the visitors several ways to unlock the host’s back line.
Injuries could play a decisive role. Sassuolo may be without Kristian Thorstvedt, whose fitness remains doubtful, and Laurs Skjellerup is expected to sit out. Juventus forward Josh Doig and striker Andrea Pinamonti will need to step up, as they are the club’s top chance creators. Lazio’s own list of concerns includes Samuel Gigot, Patric, Nicolo Rovella and Matías Vecino, all of whom are under medical review. Manuel Lazzari is likely to miss the rest of September, narrowing the Romans’ defensive options.
When it comes to the betting markets, most pundits give the edge to Lazio. Predicted scorelines range from 1‑2 to 1‑3 in favor of the Romans, reflecting their superior quality and recent domination in the fixture. Still, a handful of analysts argue that Sassuolo’s home advantage and desire to avoid another loss could force a 1‑1 draw, especially given the psychological edge they hold from never losing three straight home games to Lazio.
The match kicks off at 16:00 UTC, with Paride Tremolada set to officiate. Both sides need points – Lazio to cement consistency and Sassuolo to steer clear of an early‑season slump – making this clash a key early test in the Serie A calendar.
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