Verdict: Both teams to score – No
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Luckster
Desperately searching for an essential Serie A boost on Friday night, Lazio will welcome Genoa to the Stadio Olimpico.
Lazio
Starting with the hosts, putting in another downbeat display last weekend as they eventually had to settle for a 0-0 stalemate away at Lecce, Lazio are in the midst of what has become a major rut on either side of opening the New Year. With the pressure on Maurizio Sarri’s shoulders now at a boiling point, the former Chelsea boss has made his frustrations clear. Coming under even more scrutiny earlier in the month as they slumped to a woeful 3-0 drumming at home against Como, the Eagles have certainly seen their European dreams take a major blow. Getting 2026 underway with a 2-0 loss at the hands of reigning Italian champions Napoli, Friday’s guests have recorded just a single victory from any of their previous seven consecutive Serie A showdowns.
Lazio Team News
Yet to make a single appearance across any competition so far this season, French defender Samuel Gigot remains on the sidelines. However, despite missing out away at Lecce last weekend, midfield talisman Nicolo Rovella should get some more minutes under his belt.
Likewise, serving a one-match Serie A suspension last week, Danilo Cataldi will return to Sarri’s squad on Friday night. Crowned an AFCON champion with Senegal on January 18th, former Villarreal striker Boulaye Pia should keep his spot leading the line in Rome.
Genoa
As for the visitors, while Genoa might almost find themselves sat in Serie A limbo, the Griffins are enjoying what has become an extended flurry. Last seen mounting a sensational second-half comeback at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris clinching an action-packed 3-2 victory against Bologna, Daniele De Rossi’s side should be relishing a trip to Rome on Friday night. Including a thumping 3-0 romp against Cagliari earlier in the month, Genoa are unbeaten in all of their first five Serie A appearances since opening the New Year. Snatching a gritty 1-1 stalemate when they travelled to title dreamers and Italian heavyweights AC Milan on January 8th, the former Roma boss will be excited by an emotional return to the Stadio Olimpico this weekend.
Genoa Team News
While Norwegian international Leo Ostigard might have missed out against Bologna last weekend after serving a one-match domestic suspension, the former Napoli defender will return to Genoa’s squad. However, veteran goalkeeper Benjamin Siegrist remains on the sidelines with a finger issue.
Coming off the bench and converting a sublime free-kick against Bologna last week, ex-Atalanta star Ruslan Malinovskyi could be handed a full recall. Only arriving from Feyenoord this month, Dutch shot-stopper Justin Bijlow will start between the sticks on Friday night.
Lazio vs Genoa Key Factors to Consider
- When Lazio and Genoa met for their reverse Serie A showdown on September 29th, Friday’s hosts collected a thumping 3-0 victory at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.
- In fact, Lazio have won all of their previous five meetings against Genoa by an aggregate score of 10-0.
- The Eagles have recorded just a single victory from any of their previous seven Serie A appearances.
- Genoa are unbeaten in all of their previous five Serie A appearances (two wins, three draws).
- Lazio have failed to find the net in three of their previous four matchups at the Stadio Olimpico.
Conclusion
With the pressure on Sarri’s shoulders now firmly at a boiling point, Lazio have the feel of a squad who are desperately searching for an essential Serie A boost here. Despite landing a routine 3-0 victory when they travelled to Genoa for their reverse top-flight showdown on September 29th, the Eagles have mustered just a sole win from any of their previous seven appearances. Likewise, it should also be highlighted that the Italian strugglers have drawn a blank in three of their previous four Serie A matchups at the Stadio Olimoico.
Verdict: Both teams to score – No
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Luckster