Stadium: Olimpico (Rome)
Maurizio Sarri has made a good start in his new job. His Lazio had a confident away win over Empoli 3-1 in the first leg. The Romans will play their next game at home against Spezia. Another success is not so far away, is it?
Lazio had a great match
In the run-up to the first round match, it seemed that Aurelio Andreazzoli's Empoli would be able to put up resistance against a renewed Lazio. However, the Romans did not have too much trouble. Even being the first to concede in minute 4, the Biancocelesti responded immediately: Milinković-Savić scored 2 minutes later. Then they kicked two more goals by the end of the first half, the match ending in a deserved 3-1 win for Lazio. Apart from Milinković-Savić, Lazzari and Immobile scored a penalty. Congratulations to Maurizio Sarri, it’s a very impressive start!
Spezia is lucky
Like Lazio, Spezia entered the season with a new head coach. Vincenzo Italiano, who moved to Fiorentina, was replaced by former midfielder Thiago Motta. His career as a player has overshadowed his coaching career so far. Prior to Spezia, Motta worked at PSG U19 and Genoa. Can’t say anything about Paris, but it was a total failure at Genoa.
Thiago Motta has been doing quite well at Spezia so far. Following a confident 3-1 win over Pordenone in the Coppa Italia, the Eagles snatched a draw in Sardinia. The result was great, but it was a matter of luck: after conceding two goals, Spezia converted all the chances they created. 2-2 - the first point was scored, but it’s not going to be easy for the Eagles to stay in the championship.
Head-to-head encounters
Last season, Lazio defeated Spezia twice with the same score of 2-1.
Expert Betting Tips
Spezia is to play the second away match in a row at the start of the season. If Thiago Motta's team was lucky in Sardinia, it is unlikely to repeat in Rome as Lazio with Maurizio Sarri aims to win. Also, Lazio had two extra days to rest. Spezia played against Cagliari on Monday, and Lazio kicked off on Saturday against Empoli.
Prediction: Lazio will get their second win at the start of the championship.
- Handicap 1 (-1.5) for 1.925;
- Individual Total 1 Over 2 for 1.57;
- W1+TO 2.5 for 1.82.