Lazio can secure a Champions League qualification spot if they win at Sampdoria on Saturday at Stadio Luigi Ferraris but the home side will also try to get the three points in order to boost their chances of reaching an Europa League spot. Lazio haven't lost to Sampdroria in seven games, and have won five of the last six direct meetings. The reverse fixture this season was won comfortably by Lazio, it ended 3-0 with goals from Marco Parolo, Felipe Anderson and Filip Djordjevic.
Sampdoria are currently sixth in the Serie A table but just one point behind fifth-placed Fiorentina who have the last spot that ensures qualification for next season's Europa League. Last week Sampdoria recovered after a poor run with a 4-1 win over Udinese, their first victory in seven games. With just three games left in the season Sampdoria are fighting with Fiorentina, city rivals Genoa and Inter Milan for the precious fifth spot in the Serie A table. Top goalscorer Eder is out for the remainder of the season.
Lazio are currently third, they still have a chance of finishing second, but they have to make sure of the third spot first. They lost 2-0 to champions Juventus last month and haven't managed to recover since then as they recorded just one win after that match. Last week they were defeated 2-1 by Inter Milan and the result allowed Napoli to move just three points behind them in fourth spot. The last two matches of the season for Lazio are very difficult: first they face bitter rivals Roma and then visit Napoli on the last day of the season. Mauricio and goalkeeper Federico Marchetti are suspended for Lazio while Lucas Biglia is out with a knee injury.
Probable line-ups:
Sampdoria: Viviano - Wszolek, Silvestre, Muñoz, Regini - Acquah, Palombo, Duncan, Soriano - Muriel, Eto'o.
Lazio: Berisha - Basta, De Vrij, Ciani, Radu - Lulic, Parolo, Candreva, Mauri - Felipe Anderson, Klose.
My prediction: 1-1 draw.
Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:
Sampdoria win - 3.25 Draw - 3.25 Lazio win - 2.25
rikimartin4444_115925 8 years ago
I must tell you @galata86 that Djordjevic is fit now and he is playing. He replaced Close in 70th minute in game against Sampdoria. He is great player, can score from every position and play defense good. Pioli is excellent coach, they are in great shape lately and they play next game home vs Roma. If they win, Champions...
I must tell you @galata86 that Djordjevic is fit now and he is playing. He replaced Close in 70th minute in game against Sampdoria. He is great player, can score from every position and play defense good. Pioli is excellent coach, they are in great shape lately and they play next game home vs Roma. If they win, Champions league group stage will wait them.
Show morePlease enter your comment.
Your comment is added.
mdacic 8 years ago
This was very important match for both teams. Both teams chase European competition, Lazio Champions league and Sampdoria Europa League. Lazio was better whole match and deserved this win 0-1. Now they are one step close to the champions league and it will be nice to see Lazio again in Champions league.
Please enter your comment.
Your comment is added.
galata86 8 years ago
Lazio is very serious team.They have good players.They definitely deserve Champions League.Klose and Djordjevic,which is injured now are great attackers.They also have Candreva,who is regularly being called for Italan national team.Their coach Pioli is also experienced enough to lead this team even better next season.
Please enter your comment.
Your comment is added.
rikimartin4444_115925 8 years ago
Very important win for Lazio at extremely hard pitch. Sampdoria is very good team, with great coach and they are fighting for Europa league place. They tried to win this game, but failed. On the other side, Lazio made huge step to secure place in Champions league next year. Group stage or qualification we will see in next...
Very important win for Lazio at extremely hard pitch. Sampdoria is very good team, with great coach and they are fighting for Europa league place. They tried to win this game, but failed. On the other side, Lazio made huge step to secure place in Champions league next year. Group stage or qualification we will see in next two games.
Show morePlease enter your comment.
Your comment is added.
Alexa Alexa 8 years ago
With this Lazio made a big step for securing a spot in first 3 teams.It was not easy,Sampdoria is a good team,with excellent manager,but players of Lazio knew what should they do to win this.Now they are almost secure for at least qualifications of Champions League,but still can finish 2nd and go directly to group stage.His...
With this Lazio made a big step for securing a spot in first 3 teams.It was not easy,Sampdoria is a good team,with excellent manager,but players of Lazio knew what should they do to win this.Now they are almost secure for at least qualifications of Champions League,but still can finish 2nd and go directly to group stage.His hero yesterday was Gentilleti ,he is a good player.
Show morePlease enter your comment.
Your comment is added.
sharpe 8 years ago
Important game for both teams who are in the battle for the places in Europe next season. Sampdoria who are sixth in the moment are in the very tight race with three other teams for the fifth and sixth place. Lazio looking very good in the tables for the third place but still some work to do for them with Napoli just three...
Important game for both teams who are in the battle for the places in Europe next season. Sampdoria who are sixth in the moment are in the very tight race with three other teams for the fifth and sixth place. Lazio looking very good in the tables for the third place but still some work to do for them with Napoli just three points behind. Have to be a very interesting game.
Show morePlease enter your comment.
Your comment is added.
seculla 8 years ago
This is very important match for both teams, Sampdoria are fighting to play in Europa League next season, and Lazio is fighting with Roma and Napoli for second and third place that leads to Champions League and Champions League's qualifications. It will be interesting match, and I expect at least one goal from both sides....
This is very important match for both teams, Sampdoria are fighting to play in Europa League next season, and Lazio is fighting with Roma and Napoli for second and third place that leads to Champions League and Champions League's qualifications. It will be interesting match, and I expect at least one goal from both sides. I really can't decide which team will win tonight, it will be tough.
Show morePlease enter your comment.
Your comment is added.
rikimartin4444_115925 8 years ago
This will be very interestig game. Clash of two great teams and two coaches that show us how good they are. Sampdoria will try to win this game and catch place that bring Europa League next season. On the other side, Lazio is fighting with Roma for second place and qualify for Champions league group stage after many many...
This will be very interestig game. Clash of two great teams and two coaches that show us how good they are. Sampdoria will try to win this game and catch place that bring Europa League next season. On the other side, Lazio is fighting with Roma for second place and qualify for Champions league group stage after many many years. My prediction 0-0 draw.
Show morePlease enter your comment.
Your comment is added.
Alexa Alexa 8 years ago
Championship is getting to the end.This is clash of two very good teams.They both had good seasons.Sampdoria is fighting for Europa League and Lazio is in the position to go to Champions league.Sampdoria is hard team to beat at their court,so I predict draw 1-1.Mihajlovic is very good at this situations.
Please enter your comment.
Your comment is added.