Lazio v Carpi — Preview: Aquile looking to build on impressive Inter win

Published on: 06 January 2016

Serie A action resumes for Lazio as they welcome Carpi to the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday afternoon.

The hosts stemmed a seven game league winless stretch with a 2-1 success over league leaders Inter prior to the winter break. Antonio Candreva struck both goals as the Biancocelesti registered their first league victory since October.

Carpi, meanwhile, were downed by champions Juventus at home in a gallant display. Marco Boriello edged the Biancorossi into a shock lead before goals from Mario Manduzkic and Paul Pogba sealed all three points for the Old Lady. Carpi rallied during the latter stages and could have salvaged a point after Leonardo Bonucci sliced a cross into his own net.

Victory at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza sparked scenes of euphoria in the travelling end but Lazio remain mired in mid-table. Three points on Wednesday afternoon, however, could lift the Biancocelesti to within touching distance of the Europa League positions.

In the meantime, Carpi threaten to be cut adrift at the foot of the table as they remain four points behind 18th-placed Frosinone. Victories over Torino and Genoa in the first-half of the season were important, but dropping points at home to Hellas Verona, Chievo and Bologna have them marooned in the drop zone.

As ever, the Serie A newboys will look to experienced talismen Boriello and Cristian Zaccardo to lead from the front, but with the worst away defensive record in the league, all signs point towards a Lazio side who have been a confident side at home this season.

These two sides have yet to face each other in Serie A though Lazio have fared particularly well against this year’s newly promoted sides.

The home side will be shorn of captain Lucas Biglia who is serving a one-match suspension alongside Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. Stefan de Vrij, Dusan Basta and Ricardo Kishna remain sidelined for the foreseeable future while Senad Lulic is still nursing the freak finger injury suffered in a gym accident.

Carpi, in the meantime, will be without Raffaele Bianco, Matteo Fedele and Ryder Matos. Igor Bubnjic will also miss out.

Form Guide: Lazio (L-D-D-W-W) Carpi (W-D-L-W-L)

Expected Starting XIs:

Lazio: Berisha; Konko, Mauricio, Hoedt, Radu; Onazi, Cataldi, Parolo; Candreva, Matri, Felipe Anderson.

Carpi: Belec; Zaccardo, Romagnoli, Gagliolo, Letizia; Pascuiti, Cofie, Lollo, Martinho; Lasagna, Boriello.

Source: forzaitalianfootball.com

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.
Learn more