Lazio vs Marseille: The Romans have enough spirit to beat Marseille after Inter

One of the most interesting games in the third round of the Europa League group stage promises to be the encounter in Rome. Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio take on Jorge Sampaoli’s Marseille. Who will be stronger? We have a few options to choose from.

The Biancocelesti are expected to be excellent after a break for their national teams. Maurizio Sarri’s rested side confidently tackled Inter 3-1 on home soil. The Romans lost the first half when Ivan Perisic converted a penalty in the opening stages, not by play, but by the scoreline. But in the second half, the reigning champions were wiped out with three goals. Ciro Immobile, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Felipe Anderson all scored.

It is always like that with Lazio, both under Sarri and before him. Once the team is forced to play on a tight schedule, results and play become erratic. Limited squad resources make it impossible to work effectively on two fronts. The match against Inter proved that Lazio, playing on a tight schedule, are a formidable opponent.

Like Lazio, the Provençal side had a great first game after the break for their national teams. Although Jorge Sampaoli’s side was opposed by Lorient rather than Inter, a defeat is a defeat. 4-1 - with such a score, Marseille got through to the French Ligue 1 outsider. Matteo Guendouzi netted the brace, Arkadiusz Milik and Boubacar Kamara got on the scoresheet. The Marseille side is third in the table, 10 points behind leaders PSG and just one point behind second-placed Lens.

Marseille have two draws in the Europa League so far. First, Sampaoli’s men drew 1-1 away to Lokomotiv Moscow, and then they drew nil at home to Galatasaray. If the Marseillais want to make the Europa League play-offs, they cannot go down against Lazio.

Marseille’s new season has left a mixed impression. Jorge Sampaoli’s side is unstable, achieving landmark victories, such as a 2-0 away win against Monaco, failing to crack Angers, finishing 0-0 down, or losing (0-2). Lazio, while also unstable, are more predictable. Maurizio Sarri’s side will almost certainly lose points in Sunday’s Serie A match against Verona. The Biancocelesti, on the other hand, could be fit enough to take on Marseille. A resounding victory over Inter will also be of importance. After their derby win against Roma, the Lazzilians thrashed Lokomotiv Moscow City and almost crushed the Italian Nerazzurri. They will not be able to put Marseille out of reach.

The prediction is a win for Lazio.

• W1 for 1.80;
• W1 and Total Over 1.5 for 2.17;
• Handicap 1 (-1) for 2.62.