JUVENTUS – LAZIO | Sunday 8:45pm
Juventus seem to have finally put their most complicated moment behind them – read elimination from the Champions League – and they have done so in perfect ‘Allegriano’ style. Even though it continues to be lacking in terms of play, it has become more compact, has acquired greater defensive solidity – no one in Serie A concedes fewer goals than the Bianconeri, only seven so far – demonstrating that the tactical shrewdness operated in recent matches by the coach from Livorno is going in the right direction. The five league wins in a row and the fourth place regained are also the result of a different attitude on the part of Bonucci and his team-mates, more aggressive but above all different in character from those of the first two months. To speak of a comeback in the Scudetto fight, with a Napoli in a state of grace that continues to rack up success after success, is frankly excessive.
However, from January, as many say, a ‘new’ tournament will probably begin, so it is crucial to be ready and not fall too far behind. In the meantime, Juve have reached 28 points, two less than Milan and are ahead of Roma, Atalanta and Inter, who only a few weeks ago seemed unreachable. Against Verona, in the midweek round, Kean (0-1) decided it, and the fifth clean sheet in a row has also arrived. Another impenetrable defence is that of Lazio, with whom the Old Lady will clash in the Sunday post-match at the Allianz Stadium that closes the last day of 2022. Maurizio Sarri’s side have conceded just one goal less than the Bianconeri and are two points ahead in the standings. Two wins in a row for the Biancocelesti, who despite the absence of Immobile got the better of first Roma in the derby and then Monza in the midweek round, beating both with the same result: 1-0.
Juventus-Lazio: latest line-up news
Hysaj and Savic exult with Romero
After the substantial turnover in Verona, Allegri should re-propose the same eleven from last Sunday’s match against Inter. The only doubt is in midfield, where Locatelli is not at his best. For the former Sassuolo player it will be decided at the last minute, while the presence of Rabiot and Fagioli is certain, as well as those on the flanks of Cuadrado and Kostic. On the three-quarter will act Miretti – preferred to Di Maria – who will have the task of triggering the only point Milik. The defence will consist of Bonucci, Bremer and Danilo. Disqualified Alex Sandro, only bench for Chiesa and Vlahovic.
On the other side, Sarri will again have to renounce Immobile: the striker has not recovered and has remained in Rome. In front could play Cancellieri, Felipe Anderson and Pedro, given the unavailability of Zaccagni. In defence there is space for Hysaj in place of Lazzari, who is also stopped by a muscle problem. Vecino, finally, is ahead of Luis Alberto.
The prediction
Lazio haven’t beaten Juventus at the Stadium since 2017 and more generally haven’t managed to do so since 2019. As a result, the Bianconeri haven’t lost to the Biancocelesti in five games. As we mentioned before, the two best defences in the league clash, so it is unlikely to see a high-scoring match like last year’s 2-2 draw. Allegri’s side are still unbeaten at home and should probably avoid defeat this time as well: a draw cannot be ruled out.
The Juventus-Lazio matchday squad
- JUVENTUS (3-5-1-1): Szczesny; Bremer, Bonucci, Danilo; Cuadrado, Fagioli, Locatelli, Rabiot, Kostic; Miretti; Milik.
- LAZIO (4-3-3): Provedel; Hysaj, Casale, Romagnoli, Marusic; Milinkovic-Savic, Cataldi, Vecino; Cancellieri, Felipe Anderson, Pedro.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-1
