Form and Line-up of Lazio
Lazio suffered a heavy 0:3 defeat against Inter at the weekend, which led many to write off their chances of lifting the trophy. However, it is definitely too early to draw conclusions. Firstly, the Romans fielded almost a second-string side. Secondly, after being reduced to ten men in the second half, the visitors did not collapse and looked no worse than their opponents (9:6 on shots). It is also worth remembering that recently Lazio's attack has been consistently hurting opponents: in three of the last five matches the team have managed to score twice.
Key numbers Lazio:
Lazio are 10th for possession (50.3%).
Lazio are 12th for xG (41.5) and eighth for shots on target (4).
Lazio are sixth for accurate long passes (23.2).
Probable Lazio line-up (4-3-3)
Edoardo Motta — Adam Marusic, Alessio Romagnoli, Mario Gila, Nuno Tavares — Toma Basic, Patric, Kenneth Taylor — Matteo Cancellieri, Tijjani Noslin, Pedro.
Absentees: Ivan Provedel, Danilo Cataldi, Mattia Zaccagni (all injured).
Form and Line-up of Inter
Inter, on the contrary, fielded almost a full-strength side at the weekend. Yes, the team won 3:0, but statistically there was no real thrashing. The Chivu side created only 1.14 xG and had five shots on target (the same number as Lazio). However, it is impossible not to note the phenomenal numbers posted by Thuram after the international break: 9 (6+3) goal contributions in seven games.
Key numbers Inter:
Inter are second for possession (59.4%).
Inter are first for xG (67.9) and first for shots on target (6.1).
Inter are the league leaders for big chances missed (86).
Probable Inter line-up (3-5-2)
Yann Sommer — Manuel Akanji, Yann Bisseck, Alessandro Bastoni — Denzel Dumfries, Nicolo Barella, Piotr Zielinski, Petar Sucic, Federico Dimarco — Ange-Yoan Bonny, Marcus Thuram.
Absentees: Hakan Calhanoglu, Pio Esposito (both injured).
Who Will Referee the Match
Marco Guida (Italy)
Matches – 17 (Serie A and Coppa Italia, 2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 67;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.9;
Red cards shown – 3;
Average fouls per match – 25;
Penalties – 29%.
