Lazio’s poor form in recent Serie A rounds has not only taken them out of the race for European places but has even knocked them out of the top ten. Sassuolo remain in the top half of the standings; they have built up strong momentum and will expect to take points at the Stadio Olimpico.
Lazio
Before the cup tie against Atalanta (2:2), Lazio had not scored in three consecutive Serie A rounds. A week ago, away to Torino (0:2), they once again failed in attack: the side controlled the game against an inconsistent mid-table opponent (1.05-0.70 in xG and 55-45 in possession), but had fewer shots on target (3-5 in shots on target). They have scored only 26 goals in 27 league matches; among the top 15, only Parma have a weaker attack (20).
Sassuolo
After the heavy 0:5 defeat to Inter Milan, Sassuolo worked on their defensive errors. Over their last 270 minutes in the league they have conceded only two goals; in that spell they beat Udinese (2:1), Hellas Verona (3:0) and Atalanta (2:1). Against Atalanta they played with ten men for 75 minutes, yet still scored twice from assists by Armand Laurienté, while the opponents managed only one goal despite 3.18 xG and 26 shots.
Lazio vs Sassuolo Prediction
In the first half of the season, Lazio failed to score away to Sassuolo (0:1). In Rome, the visitors may concede, but Lazio's inconsistent attack makes it very unlikely the hosts will score twice.