Massimiliano Allegri’s unbeaten Juventus welcome Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio to Allianz Stadium on Saturday in Serie A play.
Key Takeaways
- Juventus beat Empoli 2-0 away from home in their last match
- Lazio found their first three points of the season last time out by defeating champions Napoli 2-1
- The Bianconeri are undefeated in their last five home meetings with Lazio
The Old Lady are looking for a return to the top-four this term after finishing in seventh last season, albeit due to a points deduction. Lazio impressed with a second-placed finish in Serie A but haven’t made the best of starts to the new campaign.
Juventus Form
Allegri’s side got off to a flyer in their opener by defeating Udinese 3-0 on their travels. The fact they were able to score three goals was even a shock for the Juventini. They came back to reality in their next match, though, as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Bologna.
However, exacting revenge following an emphatic 4-1 defeat away to Empoli last term, Juve were able to record a 2-0 triumph this time around. Goals from Danilo and Federico Chiesa ensured that the Bianconeri would pick up a total of seven points from a possible nine to have a solid start to the season.
Lazio Form
It has been an odd start for Lazio who have won just one of their opening three, losing the other two. They opened the campaign with a 2-1 defeat away to Lecce, failing to hold on to their lead as their opponents scored two late on.
The Biancocelesti then suffered a 1-0 loss at home to Serie A new boys Genoa, starting the season with back-to-back defeats. A tricky task faced them in Naples last time out but Sarri ensured it wouldn't be three successive defeats after his side recorded a 2-1 victory away to the current champions.
Head-to-Head
The Allianz Stadium hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Lazio of late and they have failed to win in any of their last five visits. However, Sarri was able to pick up a 2-1 victory when the two sides last met at Stadio Olimpico back in April. That was Lazio's first win over Juve in seven games.
Team News
The big news coming out of Turin is that Paul Pogba has recently tested positive for testosterone and has been suspended. He could face up to four years on the sidelines as a result. Mattia De Sciglio is the only other selection issue as he is set to remain out until the new year due to an ACL injury.
The visitors have a clean bill of health ahead of this one and Sarri should have a full squad available to choose from. Recent arrival Matteo Guendouzi will be looking to make his first start for the club, whilst loan signing Nicolo Rovella is still waiting to make his debut.
Key Players
Chiesa is finally starting to get back to his best and his return to form is huge for Juve. The 25-year-old has been dealing with a host of injury issues over the last few seasons but already has two league goals in just three games thus far, equalling his tally from the past two Serie A campaigns.
Felipe Anderson was influential in Lazio’s win over Napoli last time out, supplying the assists for both Luis Alberto and Daichi Kamada’s goals. Alberto will provide the creative spark from the midfield and the Spaniard has already got two goal contributions so far.
Final Thoughts
By and large, Juventus have been far superior than Lazio when the two sides have met in Turin. The Bianconeri have had the better start to the season too but the visitors will be full of confidence after their win over Napoli. With that being said, it is the hosts who are favoured to triumph.
Serie A
UEFA Champions League