Lazio secured their place in the UEFA Europa League last 16 with a 3-1 victory over Real Sociedad on Thursday, but inconsistency has plagued their recent form. The Biancocelesti have won just three of their last seven matches in all competitions (D2, L2), and despite currently sitting fourth in Serie A, their position is far from secure following an indifferent league run of three wins, two draws, and three defeats in their last eight outings.
Their recent 3-0 triumph over Hellas Verona marked a much-needed return to winning ways in the league, and they will be eager to claim consecutive Serie A victories for the first time since their five-match winning streak earlier this season. However, Lazio’s recent home form raises concerns, with a three-match winless streak at the Stadio Olimpico (D2, L1), but they can take encouragement from their impressive record against Fiorentina, having gone unbeaten in the last nine home meetings (W7, D2).
Fiorentina, however, will be determined to claim a rare double over Lazio, having secured a 2-1 victory in the reverse fixture, which was their second consecutive win against the Rome-based club. The visitors have not completed a league double over Lazio since the 2012/13 season, but they arrive in the capital on a disappointing run of six league matches without a win (D2, L4) – their worst sequence since February 2023.
Despite their recent struggles, Fiorentina’s strong early-season form, which saw them lose just once in their opening 14 matches (W9, D4), has kept them in contention for European qualification. One of the hallmarks of their early success was defensive resilience away from home, and they will be keen to rediscover that solidity after conceding five goals in their last three away fixtures (D1, L2), following an impressive run of five consecutive clean sheets on the road.
Players to watch
Lazio’s Boulaye Dia has been in fine form, scoring in his last two league matches and boasting an impressive record against Fiorentina, having netted more goals against them than any other Italian side, despite never ending up on the winning team.
Fiorentina’s Robin Gosens, on the other hand, has a habit of making his mark against Lazio. The German defender has scored three times in his last five Serie A meetings with the Biancocelesti, and interestingly, his side has gone on to win every match in which he found the net. However, he will need to be cautious, having been booked in both the reverse fixture and his last league appearance.
Key Stat
Ahead of this round, Fiorentina remain the only team in Serie A yet to concede a goal in the final 15 minutes of matches this season. In contrast, Lazio have been lethal during this period, having scored a league-high 13 goals, making the closing stages of the game a potentially decisive factor.
With both sides eager to secure European football next season, this encounter promises to be a closely contested affair at the Stadio Olimpico.
