Competition: Coppa Italia
Market: Lazio win
Odds: 17/20 @ 888sport
Two sides who will turn their attention back to Coppa Italia duties on Thursday evening, Lazio will welcome Bologna to the Stadio Olimpico.
Starting with the hosts, managing to make what was a much-needed return to winning ways last weekend, Lazio will be desperate to use that display as a platform to build on. Eventually claiming a 2-0 victory away at Sassuolo, that result drew a line under the Eagles’ four-match Serie A winless run. Marking their return from the World Cup break on January 4th as they were hit with a 2-1 loss away at Leece, Maurizio Sarri is calling on his side to now find some stability. However, while the one-time Chelsea boss might find his side sat just three points adrift of breaking into the top-four, Lazio have shown some extended inconsistencies on home soil. On a run that is highlighted by a shock 3-1 drumming at the hands of Salernitana on October 30th, it should be noted that Sarri’s side have won just a pair of their last six showdowns at the Stadio Olimpico.
As for the visitors, also managing to find a much-needed boost last weekend thanks to a 2-1 win away at Udinese, Bologna will be desperate to spring a Coppa Italia upset here. However, although Thiago Motta’s men might sit just two points adrift of breaking into the top-half of the Serie A table, the Rossoblu have shown some extended defensive issues. On a run that is highlighted by a woeful 6-1 drumming away at Inter Milan on November 9th, the former Spezia boss has seen his side muster just a single domestic clean sheet from any of their last seven attempts. Likewise, knowing that they could face a tricky test at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday evening, Bologna should also be worried by their downbeat record against Lazio. Suffering back-to-back defeats against the Champions League dreamers, we’re backing a home victory in midweek.
Bet: Lazio 17/20 to beat Bologna in Thursday’s Coppa Italia showdown @ 888sport
