Lazio vs Bologna
2016/17 Italian Serie A.
Date: Sunday, 16 October 2016
Kick-Off: 14:00 UK,
Venue: Stadio Olimpico (Rome).
With Napoli and Roma – who are in second and third – facing off on Saturday, the Serie A rankings for the teams below them could change by the time matchday eight finishes. Lazio, who currently sit on 13 points, are in fourth spot as of the start of this current round. Should they win this game, they could find themselves in a Champions League spot.
After a difficult start, the Biancocelesti appear to have turned a corner. Simone Inzaghi’s side have only lost one of their last five games, and come into this match having won two on the trot. A 3-0 thrashing of Udinese will have left them feeling confident, with Ciro Immobile netting a brace on either side of a Keita Balde Diao effort.
Immobile in particular was impressive over the international hiatus, as he scored yet another double to give Italy a well-deserved 3-2 win over Macedonia and to avoid what would have been an utterly embarrassing result for the Azzurri. Although they will be missing Jordan Lukaku (younger brother of the better-known Romelu), Lucas Biglia, and Bastos for this game, first-choice shot-stopper Federico Marchetti has returned to action and will be reinstated in the starting XI.
Bologna, by contrast, are a side in trouble. Roberto Donadoni will be missing pretty much at least one player in every possible position, either due to injury or suspension. Alfred Gomis, Antonio Mirante, Daniele Gastaldello, Blerim Dzemaili and Mattia Destro will all be unavailable, with key striker Destro suffering from a calf injury.
The Rossoblu also have not beaten Lazio since March 11, 2012. Since then, they have managed to draw three times – including 2-2 last season – and lost three.
Head To Head
Lazio have won three of the last five meetings, their last defeat to Bologna came back in 2012. Lazio have won four of the last five at home, scoring five goals in Bologna's last two visits.
Stats
There have been four goals per game in Bologna's fixtures this season. They've conceded three per match away, while they've found the net in every game on their travels.
Team News
Jordan Lukaku misses out after picking up an injury whilst with Belgium. Goalkeeper Federico Marchetti is out. Simone Inzaghi is believed to be planning to switch to a 4-4-2 for this match, having played a 4-2-3-1 last time out.
Bologna have problems in the spine of their team. Goalkeeper Antonio Mirante is out, Daniele Gastaldello is suspended. Midfielder Blerim Dzemaili and forward Mattia Destro are also unavailable.
