Serie A: Inconsistent Lazio Need Victory over Viola

Serie A: Inconsistent Lazio Need Victory over Viola

Lazio vs Fiorentina

Lazio’s shaky form in Serie A has still not gone away in 2021. The Biancocelesti started the new year with a disappointing 1-1 draw away to second-from-bottom Genoa as they continue to drop points against teams they should be beating.

Lazio will look to get all three points in their next assignment, where they host 13^th-placed Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico.

However, that could be easier said than done as Fiorentina’s form has improved over their last few matches. And while the Serie A 2021 odds are stacked against them, the Viola could pose some problems to the home side.

Talking Points

Inconsistency continues to haunt Lazio

Lazio did not make a great start to 2021 as they could only draw 1-1 away to struggling Genoa. Ciro Immobile had put the Biancocelesti in front with a 15th-minute penalty, but Mattia Destro equalised just before the hour mark.

Lazio’s league form of late has been quite disappointing. They’ve won just two of their last seven matches, with two draws and three defeats. Two of those losses have come at home against Udinese and Verona.

Consistency has been a real struggle for Lazio this season. They can still raise their game against the big clubs: They drew against Inter and Lazio, beat Napoli and gave leaders Milan a good fight before losing 3-2. But for some reason, they cannot pick up all three points against teams they should be beating.

But at least Lazio can still count on star striker Ciro Immobile to keep scoring goals and making Serie A 2021 highlights in seemingly every game.

The club captain and reigning European Golden Boot winner has been on an incredible run, scoring in 13 of his last 14 appearances in all competitions, including for on the bounce in the league.

However, Lazio will need a complete team effort to improve their home form. They have won just two of their seven home games at the Olimpico, with two draws and three defeats.

Fiorentina finding their footing under Prandelli

Fiorentina are slowly but surely finding their feet once again. After a rocky start to his return to the Artemio Franchi, manager Cesare Prandelli has now led the Viola to a run of four matches unbeaten after picking up a goalless draw against Bologna.

They also picked up two very impressive results — a 1-1 draw at home against Sassuolo and a famous 3-0 thumping of Juventus in Turin — during that four-match span.

Despite that three-goal explosion against Juve, though, Fiorentina are still finding it tough to get goals. They have scored just six goals over their last 10 games, two of which have come on penalties.

Dusan Vlahovic scored both of those penalties as he put together an impressive run of scoring in three consecutive games, but that finally came to an end against Bologna.

Fortunately, Fiorentina are still defending quite well. They have conceded just one goal from open play over their last four matches.

That defence has not been nearly as impressive away from home, where they’ve given up 13 of their 21 goals overall. As a result, they have a poor away record, with just one win, two draws, and four defeats.

But Fiorentina have admittedly had quite a difficult away schedule thus far, as they’ve already faced both Milan teams, Juventus, Roma, and Atalanta.

History

Lazio have the 14-8 edge in wins over Fiorentina over their last 27 league meetings, with five draws. They’ve also won three of their four matches in the Coppa Italia.

However, this matchup has been rather one-sided over the last few years as Lazio are unbeaten in their last six meetings (4 wins, 2 draws).

Lazio did the double over Fiorentina last season with a pair of 2-1 wins. Ciro Immobile scored in both of those matches, including an 89th-minute winner in Florence.

Tempers have also been quite hot during this fixture. There have been a total of six red cards shown in the last five league meetings between these two clubs, with three sendings off apiece.

Betting Tip

1X2 Lazio @ 1.78

Despite their recent struggles, SBOTOP odds still fancy Lazio as massive 1.78 favourites to pick up the home win over Fiorentina, who are priced at 4.30. Meanwhile, a draw is 3.65.

After two games without a win, it wouldn’t be all that surprising if inconsistent Lazio produce a much better performance at home.

And with Immobile in fine form, they are clearly the more likely team to score than Fiorentina, who continue to find goals hard to come by. With that in mind, look for Lazio to pick up a much-needed win at home.

Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.

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