Lazio take on struggling Crotone in Serie A this weekend, with the home side looking to return to winning ways following two matches without a win. However, with their opponents sitting just a single point above the relegation zone in the Italian top-flight standings, it is undoubtedly Simone Inzaghi’s side who are the favourites on Saturday morning.
Italian Serie A – Lazio v Crotone – Stadio Olimpico, Rome – Saturday 23rd December 2017 – 11:30 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 11/2 at Unibet |
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Lazio
FC CrotoneMatch Preview
Lazio host Crotone in Saturday’s first Serie A encounter, in what is the last competitive clash of the year for the two teams. Despite the home side having won just one of their last five Serie A matches, it is Lazio who are the firm favourites for victory, with Crotone again looking set for a season battling relegation. For those still unsure of who to back ahead of kick-off, be sure to check out our top betting tip below. However, let’s first take a closer look at the two teams, starting with the home side.
Lazio Team News & Form
Lazio come into this clash having battled to an entertaining 3-3 draw with Atalanta last time around in Serie A, with manager Inzaghi undoubtedly hoping to return to winning ways this weekend. His team currently sit in fifth position in the Serie A standings, five points behind rivals AS Roma. Forward Ciro Immobile has 15 league goals to his name already this season, while Serbian midfielder Sergej Milinković-Savić has been out of their standout players in recent weeks, reportedly drawing the attention of a host of Premier League clubs. Elsewhere, Euro 2016 winner Nani could earn a rare start for the Rome-based club, who have scored a massive 39 goals from their 17 matches to date.
Crotone Team News & Form
Crotone earned an important 1-0 win over Chievo last time around, ending a run of four consecutive defeats in Serie A. A lack of goals has certainly hindered their progress so far this season, with the pressure on the likes of Andrea Nalini and Ante Budimir to start finding the back of the net on a regular basis. Manage Walter Zenga has seen his side concede 32 goals so far this season, with Lazio sure to test his back-line to the maximum once more.
Head to Head
The two teams have met just twice in the past, with both clubs having one win to their name. Lazio defeated Crotone 1-0 at the Stadio Olimpico last season, before coming unstuck in a 3-1 defeat away from home.
Lazio v Crotone – Betting Odds and Predictions
Given their standing in the table and their status as the home team, it comes as little surprise that it is Lazio who are the firm favourites to claim all three points with the bookmakers. Those looking to back the home side can take advantage of odds of 1/5 with Skybet, while the visitors are available at odds of 15 with Betfair.
Top Betting Tip Lazio v Crotone
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on Lazio keeping a clean sheet on Saturday, which is available at odds 4/5 ahead of kick-off at William Hill.