Serie A | Gameweek 28

Mar 10, 2025 at 7.45pm UK

Stadio Olimpico

Lazio vs Udinese

Match preview

Four days after Pedro's last - gasp penalty handed top - four rivals AC Milan a 2 - 1 defeat at the San Siro, Lazio replicated the feat in their Europa League last - 16 tie against Viktoria Plzeň, even though they were reduced to nine men.

In the battle to face either Bodo/Glimt or Olympiacos in the quarter - finals, their first - leg encounter seemed set to end in a 1 - 1 draw after both Nicolò Rovella and Samuel Gigot were sent off. However, a dramatic late turn of events now makes the Italian side the favourites to progress.

Gustav Isaksen's stunning strike in the 98th minute secured a victory against all odds. This continues Lazio's trend of finishing games in spectacular fashion: they have also netted the most Serie A goals (six) in second - half stoppage time this season.

They are locked in a fierce battle with Bologna, Juventus, Fiorentina, and perhaps even arch - rivals Roma to secure Champions League qualification by finishing in the top four of the domestic league. They can also contemplate taking the Europa League route to enter UEFA's elite competition.

However, Marco Baroni's side must first attempt to regain top form on home ground. They have won just one of their last six league games at the Stadio Olimpico, and that was against bottom - placed Monza. In contrast, they dropped only two points throughout the first seven home games.

Since Lazio have also lost their last two matches against Udinese, both 2 - 1 defeats in March and August last year, they cannot afford to be complacent.

In recent years, Udinese's once dismal record against Lazio has significantly improved. Across the teams' last 10 league meetings, there have been three wins apiece and four draws.

The Friulani had lost nine out of the previous 10 encounters, but they now head to Italy's capital city on the back of four away games without defeat against Monday's hosts.

Confidence will be extremely high, too, following Florian Thauvin's first - half goal that secured a victory over lowly Parma last weekend. This makes it four wins from five since the start of February.

Udinese have thus won their last three league fixtures without conceding a single goal. The last time they had a better such streak was between April and May 2012.

As a result, the Bianconeri (Udinese) occupy a top - half position and will avoid any repeat of last season's struggle for survival. Coach Kosta Runjaic has worked wonders with a squad similar to the one that nearly dropped into Serie B.

Indeed, Udinese boasts the largest positive difference in points between the 2023 - 24 and 2024 - 25 campaigns. They have 15 more points on the board than at this stage last year.

Recent Performance

Lazio Serie A form:LWWDDW

Lazio form (all competitions):WDDLWW

Udinese Serie A form:LWDWWW

Team News

Before hosting Plzeň in the second leg of their Europa League encounter, Lazio is certain to make alterations to the starting XI from Thursday.

Captain Mattia Zaccagni, who was sidelined by a muscular problem in mid - week but has contributed to seven goals in his last seven league matches, might be fit to return. However, Elseid Hysaj and top scorer Taty Castellanos remain unavailable.

In the absence of the latter, either Loum Tchaouna or Tijjani Noslin is likely to lead the hosts' attack, with Boulaye Dia providing support.

Having been forgiven for his extraordinary penalty - taking dispute in Lecce, Lorenzo Lucca will spearhead Udinese's front line. After issuing a public apology, the Italy international allowed designated penalty - taker Florian Thauvin to convert last week's winning penalty.

Meanwhile, Thauvin, who has previously been involved in three Serie A goals against Lazio, is having his best scoring season since 2020 - 21 when he was at Marseille.

After losing backup goalkeeper Razvan Sava to injury, Kosta Runjaic turned to 39 - year - old Daniele Padelli against Parma. However, former first - choice Maduka Okoye has recently regained fitness and could be selected instead.

Possible starting lineup

Lazio possible starting lineup:

Provedel; Lazzari, Gila, Romagnoli, Tavares; Guendouzi, Rovella; Isaksen, Dia, Zaccagni; Tchaouna

Udinese possible starting lineup:

Padelli; Kristensen, Bijol, Solet, Kamara; Atta, Lovric, Karlstrom, Ekkelenkamp; Thauvin, Lucca