Burkina Faso
Czech Republic
Hungary
Lithuania
Montenegro
Nigeria
United Arab Emirates

Preview: Sassuolo vs. Lazio - prediction, team news, lineups

sportsmole.co.uk, 19 October 2023, 13:28
Aiming to continue their improvement after a dismal start to the season, Lazio visit Sassuolo at the Mapei Stadium on Saturday.

Despite winning their most recent games in Europe and Serie A, the Biancocelesti have lost four times already and will return from the international break level on points with their hosts.

Match preview

Having won two of their last three league matches - as many as in the previous six - and beaten Celtic in the Champions League, Lazio may believe they have finally turned the corner following a slow start to the 2023-24 campaign.

Last time out, Maurizio Sarri's men recovered from throwing away a two-goal advantage at home to Atalanta and secured a precious 3-2 win thanks to Matias Vecino's 83rd-minute winner.

The Biancocelesti still languish inside the bottom half of the Serie A standings, but since goalkeeper Ivan Provedel headed a dramatic late equaliser against Atletico Madrid in mid-September, they have lost just once - to Milan at San Siro.

Following their first Champions League victory outside of Rome for two decades, gained via Pedro's last-gasp strike at Celtic Park, Lazio will aim to repeat that feat next Wednesday, when they travel to Rotterdam for a tough test against Dutch champions Feyenoord. First, though, domestic duty awaits.

At the least, Sarri will expect his team to avoid losing for a fifth time in their first nine Serie A fixtures on Saturday, as that would represent Lazio's worst opening spell since 1983. More likely, the ex-Napoli boss will target a rare league victory on the road.

Sarri's side have lost three of their first four away matches in the top flight this term - only one loss fewer than throughout the whole of last season - but will arrive in Reggio-Emilia with a superb track record against their hosts.

Not only have Sassuolo lost each of their last three league meetings with their capital-city counterparts, but in all, the Emilian club have been beaten 12 times in 20 Serie A matches between the sides.

Like Lazio, Alessio Dionisi's men started this season sluggishly, but a couple of giant-slaying results to end September seem to have breathed new life into a previously subdued squad - three goals from star man Domenico Berardi certainly helped.

Taking maximum points from games against Calcio giants Juventus and Inter demonstrated the talent at Dionisi's disposal, but a 1-0 loss to Monza soon followed, and his squad went into the international period after a battling 1-1 draw down in Lecce.

As a result, Sassuolo sit level with Lazio in the table, with both clubs having 10 points on the board ahead of their clash at the Mapei Stadium, where the home side have both won and lost twice this term.

If the Neroverdi are to improve on last season's 13th-placed finish, however, they must find a way of keeping the back door more firmly shut: they have conceded goals in each of their last 16 league matches - the longest ongoing run in Italy's top flight.

Sassuolo Serie A form:

W

L

W

W

L

D

Lazio Serie A form:

W

L

D

W

L

W

Lazio form (all competitions):

D

D

W

L

W

W

Advert - content below:

Team News

Lazio expect goalkeeper Ivan Provedel to return from a hip injury that saw him withdraw from Luciano Spalletti's Italy squad for the recent Euro 2024 qualifiers, while fellow Azzurri call-up Mattia Zaccagni also hopes to be passed fit.

The latter returned to Rome after an ankle issue ruled the ex-Verona forward out of international action, and having scored four goals in his last five Serie A games against Sassuolo, he will be keen to join Ciro Immobile in the visitors' attacking trident.

Summer signing Taty Castellanos found the net against Atalanta but is likely to make way for Immobile up front, providing Lazio's captain can overcome a flexor problem.

Meanwhile, Sassuolo's squad could be further depleted by absences on Saturday evening, as right-back Jeremy Toljan and playmaker Nedim Bajrami are injury doubts and may join Mattia Viti (adductor), Matheus Henrique (hamstring) and Agustin Alvarez (ACL) on the sidelines.

Leading the hosts' line up front, Andrea Pinamonti already has four league goals this season - only one less than all of last term - and will be supported from the right flank by Domenico Berardi.

Berardi recently became one of just two players, alongside Lautaro Martinez, to have scored at least five times in each of the last six Serie A seasons. Furthermore, only Martinez and Victor Osimhen have been directly involved in more goals than the Neroverdi's talisman this calendar year: 16 of his own and eight assists.

Sassuolo possible starting lineup:

Consigli; Pedersen, Erlic, Ferrari, Vina; Boloca, Racic; Berardi, Castillejo, Lauriente; Pinamonti

Lazio possible starting lineup:

Provedel; Marusic, Romagnoli, Casale, Hysaj; Alberto, Rovella, Guendouzi; Pedro, Immobile, Zaccagni

We say: Sassuolo 2-2 Lazio

Previews by email
19 October 2023
talksport.com
Zola cracks up as he jokes Bellingham 'milk' comment was 'lost in translation'
Gianfranco Zola couldn't help but laugh at himself as he listened back to his Jude Bellingham comment, live on talkSPORT.
19 October 2023
talksport.com
Inter Miami are considering reuniting Messi with another ex-Barcelona teammate
Inter Miami are hopeful of reuniting Lionel Messi with one of his old Barcelona teammates and bringing Luis Suarez to the Major League Soccer club.
19 October 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Mainz 05 vs. Bayern Munich - prediction, team news, lineups
Returning to Bundesliga duty after the international break, champions Bayern Munich visit struggling Mainz 05 at MEWA Arena on Saturday.
19 October 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Newcastle United's Eddie Howe 'has no interest in becoming England manager'
Newcastle United's Eddie Howe has no interest in replacing Gareth Southgate as England manager, according to a report.
19 October 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Torino vs. Inter Milan - prediction, team news, lineups
After slipping from top spot in Serie A before the international break, Inter Milan can return to the summit with victory over Torino on Saturday evening.
19 October 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea 'activate option in Ian Maatsen contract'
Chelsea have reportedly taken measures to extend the contract of Ian Maatsen amid interest in his signature.
19 October 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Watford vs. Sheffield Wednesday - prediction, team news, lineups
Sheffield Wednesday will begin life under the new management of Danny Rohl on Saturday, when they travel to Vicarage Road to take on Watford.
19 October 2023
talksport.com
Is James fit to play for Chelsea this weekend? Blues captain hints at return
Chelsea captain Reece James could be back in contention to feature against Arsenal in the Premier League this weekend.
19 October 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Aaron Ramsdale admits losing Arsenal place could affect England hopes
Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is under no illusions that his place in Gareth Southgate's England setup could come under threat if he fails to win back his place in the Gunners starting lineup.
19 October 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Mohamed Kudus agent reveals Chelsea agreement
The agent of Mohamed Kudus has revealed that her client agreed personal terms with Chelsea over the summer, but a move to Stamford Bridge did not materialise due to the club's "ridiculous offer to Ajax".
19 October 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Swansea City vs. Leicester City - prediction, team news, lineups
Leicester City will hope to retain their position at the top of the Championship standings when they travel to Swansea City on Saturday afternoon.
19 October 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Aberdeen vs. Dundee - prediction, team news, lineups
Aberdeen will be aiming to keep up the impressive form they showed before the international break when club football returns this Saturday as they host Dundee.
19 October 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Stoke City vs. Sunderland - prediction, team news, lineups
Stoke City play host to Sunderland on Saturday afternoon with Alex Neil desperately requiring all three points against his former club.
19 October 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester United players 'urging Jadon Sancho to apologise to Erik ten Hag'
Manchester United players have reportedly urged Jadon Sancho to apologise to Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag in a bid to end the ongoing stand-off between the two individuals.
19 October 2023
talksport.com
Man United no longer top six side - they need a 'cheat code' like rivals to compete again
In an exclusive column for talkSPORT.com, Mark Goldbridge explains how to fix Manchester United with the club no longer a top six side, as well as the latest in Sir Jim Ratcliffe's partial takeover.
19 October 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Bristol City vs. Coventry City - prediction, team news, lineups
Bristol City and Coventry City lock horns in the Championship on Saturday with both teams sitting on the same points in the standings.
19 October 2023
talksport.com
Man City star backs Messi to win Ballon d'Or as he rules himself out of running
Manchester City midfielder Rodri believes Lionel Messi is the favourite for this year's Ballon d'Or.
19 October 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Bayern Munich 'confident of new Jamal Musiala contract despite growing interest'
Bayern Munich are reportedly very confident that they will be able to sign Jamal Musiala to a new long-term contract despite the growing interest in his services.
19 October 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Blackburn Rovers vs. Cardiff City - prediction, team news, lineups
Blackburn Rovers square off against Cardiff City on Saturday afternoon looking for the victory that would create some breathing space between themselves and the Championship relegation zone.
19 October 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
AC Milan 'join Arsenal, Chelsea in Ollie Watkins race'
AC Milan have reportedly joined Arsenal and Chelsea in the race to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.
19 October 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: St Johnstone vs. Motherwell - prediction, team news, lineups
St Johnstone's search for their first victory of the 2023-24 Scottish Premiership campaign will continue on Saturday when they host Motherwell.
19 October 2023
talksport.com
Maddison posts England camp footage that caught hilarious Grealish moment
We've all had a friend do us dirty by taking an unexpected photo of you and then proceed to post it all over social media.
19 October 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Preston North End vs. Millwall - prediction, team news, lineups
Preston North End play host to Millwall on Saturday afternoon looking to end a three-match losing streak in the Championship.
19 October 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Joan Laporta talks-up permanent deals for Joao Cancelo, Joao Felix
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has talked-up the prospect of his club signing Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix on permanent deals during next summer's transfer window.
19 October 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Inter Milan
Inter Milan CEO Giuseppe Marotta has insisted that not a single person at the club is dwelling on Romelu Lukaku's decision to snub a return to San Siro this summer.
19 October 2023
talksport.com
Is Saka fit to play for Arsenal? Gunners star a doubt for Chelsea clash
Bukayo Saka is a huge injury doubt for Arsenal's trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea this Sunday afternoon.
19 October 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Barcelona
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has once again denied any wrongdoing after it was revealed that he is being investigated for bribing referees in relation to payments made to a former vice-president of Spain's referees' committee.
19 October 2023
talksport.com
Is Andrew Robertson fit to play for Liverpool against Everton this weekend?
Jurgen Klopp looks set to be without one of his key stars for one of Liverpool's biggest games of the season this weekend.
19 October 2023
talksport.com
Is Saliba fit for Arsenal? Star has 'chronic' injury ahead of Chelsea clash
William Saliba is struggling for fitness ahead of Arsenal's huge trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea this weekend.
19 October 2023
talksport.com
Rice says England are following New Zealand's All Blacks with 'no d***heads' rule
Declan Rice claims England have adopted the "no d***heads" culture used by the New Zealand rugby team as they look ahead to Euro 2024.
19 October 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Borussia Dortmund 'preparing January offer for Jadon Sancho'
Borussia Dortmund are reportedly prepared to make a loan offer for unsettled Manchester United attacker Jadon Sancho when the winter transfer window opens for business.
19 October 2023
talksport.com
Messi sends message to ex-Barcelona teammate Neymar over season-ending injury
Lionel Messi has sent his support to his former teammate Neymar following his horror season-ending knee injury.
19 October 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Ross County vs. St Mirren - prediction, team news, lineups
Two teams at opposite ends of the Scottish Premiership will meet on Saturday as Ross County continue to try and push themselves out of the relegation zone when they host St Mirren.
19 October 2023
talksport.com
Arsenal are the 'Kings of London' as they look to keep up record away at Chelsea
Arsenal travel to rivals Chelsea full of confidence having ended their eight-year hoodoo against Manchester City.
19 October 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
How Real Madrid could line up against Sevilla
Real Madrid are expected to welcome David Alaba back into their starting side for Saturday's La Liga contest with Sevilla at Estadio Ramon.
19 October 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Sevilla vs. Real Madrid - prediction, team news, lineups
Real Madrid will aim to post a fifth straight win in all competitions when they resume their La Liga campaign with a trip to Sevilla on Saturday evening.
Show more

Top News

22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool have reportedly received a significant boost in their efforts to sign Rayan Cherki, whom Lyon have decided to sell in the summer transfer window. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has reportedly made a final decision on whether he plans to re-integrate Marcus Rashford into his squad this summer. 22 March 2025 talksport.com Manchester United have been told to seek wisdom from darts sensation Luke Littler over how to handle high-pressure situations. 22 March 2025 talksport.com Peter Crouch has scored his first goals for Liverpool in nearly 17 years and he made sure to celebrate accordingly. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool's reported capacity to purchase a new striker in the summer transfer window is in excess of £100m due to their good financial health. 22 March 2025 talksport.com Newcastle United will have a special Carabao Cup trophy parade next weekend after ending 70 years of hurt. 22 March 2025 talksport.com Newcastle United will finally get their trophy-winning party in front the Toon Army. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United are set to be active during this summer's transfer window, as the recently-appointed Ruben Amorim looks to bring in players capable of thriving in his 3-4-3 system. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate reportedly has no release clause in his current contract amidst interest from Real Madrid in his signature. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Barcelona are facing a centre-back crisis for their La Liga match against Osasuna next week, with Inigo Martinez, Pau Cubarsi, Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen potentially all missing the rescheduled fixture. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Another consolation silver medal is waiting for Arsenal at the 2024-25 Premier League finish line, as Mikel Arteta and co bemoan injuries, suspensions and fatal - yet avoidable - transfer mistakes. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United have reportedly begun initial talks with Napoli over the possible transfer of Rasmus Hojlund to the Serie A club in the summer transfer window. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United are expected to move for at least one central midfielder during this summer's transfer window. 22 March 2025 talksport.com Twelve years may have passed, but Franck Ribery is still not over his 2013 Ballon d'Or snub. 22 March 2025 talksport.com Chelsea are not familiar with quiet summer transfer windows and as it stands, there's no sign of bucking the trend in 2025. 22 March 2025 talksport.com Walsall boss Mat Sadler claimed the decision not to request a postponement this afternoon was 'out of' the club's hands. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Barcelona would reportedly be willing to let Raphinha leave during this summer's transfer window if an offer of €120m (£101m) were to arrive, with Manchester United said to be keen to sign the attacker. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Suggestions that Liverpool's season would be disappointing if they only win the Premier League title are ludicrous, Reds expert David Lynch has argued. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea winger Noni Madueke has apparently emerged as a potential transfer target for AC Milan, who took Joao Felix off of the Blues' hands in the January transfer window. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Tottenham Hotspur have joined the ever-growing list of clubs interested in signing Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes, according to a report. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has delivered an update on his head injury after the 32-year-old was forced to withdraw from the Brazil squad earlier this week. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Albania and Andorra, both aiming to bounce back from defeats on matchday one of the UEFA FIFA World Cup qualifiers, will face off on Monday in a matchday two clash in Group K. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Andrey Santos has revealed that he is yet to receive any direct contact from Chelsea regarding his plans for 2025-26. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal defender Ben White will likely be a shoo-in for the next England squad and should be considered for a start against Real Madrid in the Champions League, Gunners expert Charles Watts has claimed. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk England head coach Thomas Tuchel could make an abundance of alterations for his second game in charge of the Three Lions, which comes against Latvia on Monday evening at Wembley. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk In what is already a top-of-the-table clash in Group K of UEFA World Cup 2026 Qualifying, England and Latvia lock horns at Wembley Stadium on Monday evening. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Nottingham Forest have reportedly retained an interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker Matheus Cunha. 22 March 2025 talksport.com Nottingham Forest are plotting a club record move for Matheus Cunha if they qualify for the Champions League, talkSPORT understands. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk After scraping through their first World Cup qualifier with a late goal from their inspirational skipper, Poland host Group G minnows Malta on Monday. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly named their asking price for Rayan Ait-Nouri, who is being linked with Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.