Separated by one place in the Serie A standings, Lazio met Bologna at Stadio Dall'Ara last time out, as an enthralling multi-club scrap for European qualification continued.

Already trailing by one goal at the break, Marco Baroni's men were simply swept aside after half time, conceding four more as their hosts cruised to a 5-0 win and leapfrogged them into fourth place.

Having been hit for six by Inter Milan at the end of 2024, the Biancocelesti have proved vulnerable on a couple of occasions, casting doubt over their ability to secure a crucial top-four finish.

In addition to their recent mauling in Emilia-Romagna, Lazio have drawn half of their last six league games, recording just four wins this calendar year.

As half-a-dozen teams are within a six-point radius, all fighting for access to next season's Champions League, there will be precious little room for more slip-ups with only nine games remaining.

Of course, the capital club could take an alternative Europa League route into UEFA's top club competition, as they will soon meet Bodo/Glimt in the quarter-finals and are just three steps away from lifting the trophy.

First, they must deal with domestic matters, as Torino try again to improve a dismal record at Stadio Olimpico: after their 2-0 home win last term, Lazio have lost only two of the teams' last 20 league meetings in Rome.

Following a 3-2 defeat in September's reverse fixture, Torino have lost their last three Serie A games against the Biancocelesti - and they could now lose four in a row for the very first time.

Yet, they can head to the capital city full of confidence on this occasion, after a run of three wins from four leading into the international break.

A second-half strike by Nikola Vlasic was enough to see off free-falling Empoli last time out, and the Granata have lost just one of 11 league games since the start of 2025 - only unbeaten Roma have fared better in that regard.

Such a run has certainly helped their challenge for a top-half finish, as Toro have pulled within two points of 10th-placed Udinese.

Furthermore, Paolo Vanoli's side have lost just one of their last eight matches away from Turin, making them one of the toughest teams to defeat throughout Italy's top flight. So, they will feel no fear at an expectant Olimpico.

Lazio possible starting lineup:

Provedel; Marusic, Gila, Romagnoli, Hysaj; Guendouzi, Rovella; Isaksen, Dele-Bashiru, Zaccagni; Dia

Torino possible starting lineup:

Milinkovic-Savic; Walukiewicz, Maripan, Coco, Biraghi; Ricci, Casadei; Lazaro, Vlasic, Elmas; Adams