Midtjylland-Lazio is a match valid for the second day of the Europa League group stage and will be played on Thursday at 18:45
Lazio’s short-term goal in Europe is to avoid repeating last year’s mistake, when the Biancocelesti finished second behind Galatasaray and were forced to go through the tricky play-offs with the relegated Champions League champions to qualify for the round of 16. Maurizio Sarri wants to do everything possible to avoid playing those two extra games by ‘lightening’ an already jam-packed schedule: the only way to do this is to finish ahead of everyone in the group. That is why Immobile and his team-mates made things clear from the outset this time, winning the first direct clash with Feyenoord (4-2), the biggest threat in terms of first place.
At the Stadio Olimpico on the first day of the group stage, Lazio imposed their superiority on the Dutch side from the outset, taking a three-goal lead on the stroke of half an hour. Arne Slot’s team only came out on top as the Capitoline’s physiological decline came to an end, scoring two goals and making the defeat less heavy.
The Danes’ difficult moment
The only Italian side to win in the Europa and Conference League, Sarri’s side now aim to consolidate their lead in the Danish away game against Midtjylland, who were beaten on their debut in Austria by Sturm Graz. The men of Albert Capellas – the coach who took over from the exonerated Jensen last August – are no longer those of two seasons ago, who made a guest appearance in the Champions League rounds. And they are also having a difficult time in the league. Taking into account the various competitions, they have only won one match since July and occupy an anonymous eighth place in Superligaen.
Lazio, on the other hand, followed up their victory against Feyenoord by returning to winning ways in the league. It was not as easy as the result might suggest, but the Biancocelesti managed to hold off a willing Verona (2-0) with goals from Immobile and Luis Alberto. Ahead of the cup Sarri will make a moderate turnover. In defence one of Gila and Casale will replace Patric, while in midfield Vecino – the former Inter player was the author of a brace with the Dutchmen – and Cataldi will play alongside Milinkovic-Savic.
Pione Sisto
The Prediction
Lazio will find a warm environment, a practice every time they go to play in Denmark. And having never yet won away, they may struggle to return to the capital with a full haul. However, a victory is likely considering the complicated moment Midtjylland are going through. There is a good chance of at least two goals overall.
Midtjylland-Lazio’s likely line-up
- MIDTJYLLAND (4-3-3): Lössl; Dalsgaard, Sviatchenko, Juninho, Paulinho; Dreyer, Sörensen, Evander; Isaksen, Kaba, Pione Sisto.
- LAZIO (4-3-3): Provedel; Hysaj, Casale, Romagnoli, Marusic; Milinkovic-Savic, Cataldi, Vecino; Felipe Anderson, Immobile, Zaccagni.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-2
