This other team from Rome almost always has languished in the mid-table or top half places for the past few years. But now, this club led by Simone Inzaghi are a force to reckon with. With some talented and young players in important positions, Lazio have played some beautiful football at times. So considering all of this, where will they end up?
Transfer Activity
Lazio have so far signed Verdat Muriqi, Gonzalo Escalante and Pepe Reina. All these players are expected to provide backup and in Muriqi’s case, an impact from the bench. They have lost Valon Berisha however, who was a good reserve midfielder option to have. Ricardo Kishna’s departure means they would be looking at a winger as well.
Strength
Without a question, their defensive nous. The way an understanding has been created in the backline between the likes of Senad Lulic, Luiz Felipe and Thomas Strakosha, is fantastic. That reflects in the number as well, with Lazio conceding just 42 goals in 38 games – the best defence in the league. Strakosha also had 14 clean sheets to his name, showing the work the defence puts in for weeks together.
Weakness
The team finds it difficult at times to find the back of the net sometimes. With what can be called a one-dimensional attack, they have relied on Immobile and Milinkovic-Savic far too many times to bail them out and get the wins. A lack of inventiveness on the final third of the pitch can affect Lazio, in that regard.
Key Player
It is hard to see beyond talismanic striker Ciro Immobile. The enigmatic forward scored 30 goals in 38 leagues last season. Alert and sharp with his decision-making, Immobile has performed consistently for Lazio over the last few seasons. Expect him to be up there leading the charge for the Serie A Golden Boot as well.
Predicted Table Finish
6th Place: With neck-to-neck competition in the league, Lazio will get their opportunity to push for Champions’ League football. But the unnecessary dropping of points and seeing out games as draws means the team will most likely finish in the Europa League places.
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