Hellas Verona vs Lazio Preview: Team News & Prediction
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It is quite surprising that these two teams are heading into the game and the second-half of the season under Paolo Zanetti and Maurizio Sarri, respectively, and that is the major talking point.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – DAZN / US – Paramount+ & DAZN
How to watch online: UK – DAZN / US – Paramount+ & DAZN
Hellas Verona preview: Under pressure Zanetti
Having narrowly escaped relegation last season, former Empoli boss Paolo Zanetti is again somehow clinging onto his job in charge of Hellas Verona. It is especially surprising given the volatile nature of managerial tenures in Italy and the fact Verona have managed just two victories so far this season.
The hosts did put in a much-improved performance in midweek as they shared a 2-2 draw with defending champions Napoli at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Frustratingly, though, it was a game on which Verona had a 2-0 lead at the half-time interval before succumbing to an almost inevitable Neapolitan comeback in the second-half.
Lazio preview: Sarri’s second stint
Lazio, on the other hand, went ahead and then behind against a struggling Fiorentina side at the Stadio Olimpico before veteran attacker Pedro snatched a point for the Laziale deep into second-half stoppage-time from the penalty spot, again seemingly prolonging the inevitable in terms of Sarri's stay back in Rome.
It is Sarri's second stint in charge of Lazio and, unlike the first which had its moments, it has been a forgettable one thus far. As key men begin to be sold, such as Matteo Guendouzi and Taty Castellanos, things are beginning to look bleak for a Lazio side and club that are, once again, majorly underperforming this season.
Hellas Verona team news: Belghali at AFCON
Right-back Rafik Belghali remains at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations with Algeria, while midfielders Tomas Suslov and Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro both being injury concerns.
Predicted XI (3-5-2): Montipo; Unai Nunez, Bella-Kotchap, Valentini; Bradaric, Niasse, Gagliardini, Frese; Sarr, Orban
Unavailable: Belghali (International duty), Suslov (Injured)
Questionable: Akpa Akpro (Injured)
Lazio team news: Zaccagni suspended
Versatile attacker Mattia Zaccagni is missing through suspension for Lazio for this one as they deal with a couple of injury doubts, too, such as Toma Basic and Manuel Lazzari.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Provedel; Hysaj, Mario Gila, Romagnoli, Pellegrini; Taylor, Cataldi, Matias Vecino; Isaksen, Ratkov, Zaccagni
Unavailable: Gigot (Injured), Patric (Injured), Dele-Bashiru (Injured), Dia (Injured), Zaccagni (Suspended)
Questionable: Basic (Injured), Lazzari (Injured)
Hellas Verona vs Lazio prediction
Neither of these teams can be trusted, and therefore nor be backed, to get what would be a crucial and well timed three points. Both had reasons to be more positive, but also frustrated, the other day, and selfishness may overtake both coaches in what is more of a must not lose scenario for the pair. As a result, it may not be a great watch for the neutral.
Hellas Verona vs Lazio tip: Under 2.5 goals
