Lazio vs Cagliari
Italy – Serie A
Date: Thursday, 23 July 2020
Kick-off at 20:45 UK/ 21:45 CET
Venue: Stadio Olimpico.
While Simone Inzaghi was praised for the work he has done with Lazio this season, the former striker is now going through a critical period to end the campaign on a high.
Four defeats in five matches, including a defeat to Juventus executives have left Lazio in fourth, 11 points behind the defending champions.
Fortunately I Biancocelesti, rivals Roma are sitting behind the same distance in fifth place, put them under no threat of losing the final spot in the Champions League.
Nevertheless, second place still a realistic possibility, there will be a desire to get another win on the earliest possible board.
Although Inzaghi will expect at least one victory ahead of home games with opponents Thursday or Brescia, Lazio have won two open play goals in their last five meetings.
Like their hosts, Cagliari become increasingly desperate to end a prolonged period without a maximum return, a run dating back to June 27
However, four of their last six outings have ended in draws, including against Sassuolo on Saturday night as in a match where they played a man disadvantage of the 48th minute.
The equalization of Cagliari also came after the dismissal of Andrea Carboni, further emphasizing that this team played for the newly appointed boss Walter Zenga.
Despite being presented with the most difficult break-probably from all 20 teams in the division, it may be suitable for a group of players who still have ambitions of ending the campaign in the top half of the table.
NEWS TEAM
LAZIO
Lazio poor form continued as they were beaten by Juventus on Monday and they have now failed to win any of their last five games following this loss, with four of those games ending in defeat.
Lazio was second best throughout the first half but managed to keep Juve to score, although this has not been the case for a long time in the second half of his side notched twice in the opening 10 minutes.
Ciro Immobile pulled one back from the spot with seven minutes, but it is not enough that Lazio did not return to conditions level and there are doubts about the fitness of Luis Alberto and that Jony both sitting on the Juve game.
CAGLIARI
Cagliari failed to win again they drew with Sassuolo on weekends, but they will be pleased with their efforts in this game after claiming a point despite playing almost a half with only 10 men against the side form.
Cagliari fell behind in the opening 15 minutes and their task to get back into the game was made even more difficult when Andrea Carboni received his marching orders just three minutes into the second half.
Despite this setback, Cagliari could Joao Pedro by level and they were keen to claim a point solid, but they will now be without suspended Carboni for the competition while still doubts injuries Luca Pellegrini and Christian Olivia.
Lazio vs Cagliari Preview
Inzaghi's men lost 2-1 on the road the last day of the match against Juventus. Despite the loss, the fact that their main striker Ciro Immobile has found back his scoring touch would be good news for the fans.
Meanwhile, Walter Zenga's men were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Sassuolo. It was their sixth straight game without a win, and they were also winless in 19 of their previous 21 match-ups together. In the midst of it, they went through two to four separate sets of tracks and five defeats.
On the road, they have only one win from their last thirteen attempts. And to pile on, the Eagles are on a three-match winning point against this opponent, and are on an eight-game victories in clashes H2H at this stage.
In fact, they have always dominated the H2H meetings over the years. As such, expect Lazio convincing win on Thursday.
Lazio vs Cagliari: Betting Tips
Lazio to win @ 1.50 (1/2)
To score in the first half: Lazio @ 1.50 (1/2).
