AS Roma has faced a tough season, struggling to regain momentum after falling out of contention for the title. The team is also lagging in the race for a Champions League spot, with Lazio currently holding fourth place and maintaining a significant 15-point lead.
After a strong finish last season, expectations for Roma were high, but their performance this year has fallen short.
Despite a convincing 5-0 victory over Parma and a draw against AC Milan post-Christmas, inconsistency has plagued their campaign. However, there are positives to note. They advanced to the round of 16 in the Italian Cup with a 4-1 win over Sampdoria and remain active in the Europa League, keeping hopes alive on multiple fronts.
In contrast, Lazio is enjoying a strong season and is firmly in fourth place, positioning themselves well for a Champions League qualification spot. With key contributions from players like Pedro, Castellanos, and Guendouzi, Lazio had an impressive December.
Highlights include victories over Napoli in both the Italian Cup and Serie A, a 3-1 win against Ajax in the Europa League, and a recent 2-1 triumph over Lecce in the league. While they conceded a late equalizer to Atalanta in their latest fixture, their overall form has been excellent, setting them up well for the remainder of the season.
Roma’s squad remains largely fit, with Cristante being the only notable absentee due to injury. Key players like Dybala, Paredes, Angelino, Hummels, Ndicka, and Koné are all available, giving them a solid roster for upcoming matches.
Lazio, however, will have to manage without several important players, including Vecino, Pedro, Noslin, and Lazzari. Even with these absences, they possess a strong lineup, with Castellanos, Guendouzi, Gigot, and Tchaouna playing pivotal roles.
Prediction
Both teams have shown a pattern of low-scoring games in recent matches. Roma has kept the total under 3.5 goals in 19 of their last 20 league fixtures, while Lazio has seen the same trend in 17 of their previous 20 away games in Serie A. This consistent pattern suggests that a high-scoring match is unlikely.
Prediction: The game is expected to end in a 1-1 draw, reflecting the recent form and defensive focus of both sides.
