Lazio makes the trip to Como on Thursday evening looking to make it three wins on the bounce in both Serie A and Europa League action as October comes to a close. Though Lazio have been in good form of late, picking up four of their last five matches, the newly promoted Como side has not had a lot of fortune as of late.
Match Preview
Having been suspended for three matches, Dutch striker Tijjani Noslin made a welcome return from suspension, netting the first in their win over the weekend against Genoa, having sat out Lazio’s recent Europa League victory over Twente. Later goals from Pedro and Matias Vecino secured the points – a continuation of Lazio’s impressive form at the Stadio Olimpico.
That is how well Lazio are currently playing that they have not lost any of their last 10 Serie A home encounters. Acquitting themselves with credit in both Italian and European competition this season, the Biancocelesti have enjoyed six victories in their last seven matches in all competitions under Marco Baroni, netting an impressive 17 goals in the process to take all nine points from their opening three Europa League matches in the process. Aiming for a third straight clean sheet, Baroni seeks to shut up speculation about his management, but the away form of his team remains a cause for concern, considering they have lost three of their four Serie A matches on the road.
On the other hand, Como are back in Serie A for the first time in over twenty years and still have fresh memories of their 2002 encounter with Lazio-when Diego Simeone had scored for the visiting side. Promoted as runners-up in the second order last season, Como have managed to gather nine points from seven matches, which is also better compared to their last time in Serie A. The team, after a couple of thrilling 3-2 wins, has since lost two of the last three and drew the other, falling narrowly 1-0 to Torino.
Under the guidance of former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas, Como have been undefeated at home so far this term, but only with a slender cushion above the bottom three, meaning that the in-form squad of Lazio will prove a severe test. Como are yet to shut their opponents out this season, and this is unlikely to change on Thursday.
Como’s Serie A form: D WW LDL
Lazio’s Serie A form: WLWWLW
Lazio’s form (all competitions): WWWLWW
Team News
Lazio welcomes back defensive leader Alessio Romagnoli from suspension, so either Patric or Mario Gila can make way. The latter sustained a knock over the weekend but has been declared fit for tonight. Still injured right-back Manuel Lazzari is Lazio’s only injury victim, leaving Marco Baroni free to ring the changes-as often he does in Europe.
Left-back Nuno Tavares continues to impress in his extended run in the starting lineup. The full-back currently has seven assists this season, equalling Bukayo Saka across Europe’s top five leagues. He has been matching as many creative numbers to meet Achraf Hakimi’s record, who finished with eight assists during the 2020-21 Serie A season.
For Como, Cesc Fabregas will likely retain Alieu Fadera, Gabriel Strefezza, Nico Paz, and leading goalscorer Patrick Cutrone up front. Cutrone and Strefezza have both started all nine league games so far this season, along with Spanish full-back Alberto Moreno. However midfielder Sergi Roberto may not play due to a thigh strain, possibly giving way to Luca Mazzitelli. Belgian defender Ignace Van der Brempt is ruled out.
Predicted lineups:
Como: Audero; Iovine, Kempf, Dossena, Moreno; Mazzitelli, Perrone; Strefezza, Paz, Fadera; Cutrone
Lazio: Provedel; Marusic, Gila, Romagnoli, Tavares; Rovella, Guendouzi; Noslin, Dia, Zaccagni; Castellanos
Prediction: Como 1-2 Lazio
Though Como have been resilient in Serie A so far, Lazio come into this in excellent form and with a strong attack. The Biancocelesti are likely to finish off Como’s unbeaten home run thus far and keep their chase up near the top of the table behind leaders Napoli.
