Lazio Vs Hellas Verona Prediction: Sarri Is Looking For First Victory At The Olimpico

JAKARTA - Lazio will try to rise from defeat in Serie A's opening week when they host Hellas Verona in Sunday 31 August at Stadio Olimpico. Both teams came with different results in the first match of the season: Biancocelesti fell at Como headquarters, while Verona managed to steal a point from Udinese.

Maurizio Sarri's return to the Lazio coaching chair did not go smoothly. After being hit by a transfer embargo that prevented the club from bringing in new players in the summer, Sarri immediately had to accept the harsh reality with a 0-2 defeat to Como's promotion team in the inaugural match.

These results made rapid pressure come for Lazio, who last season failed to penetrate European competition after their performance plummeted at the end of the season. Sarri returned with the target of bringing Lazio back to the top four, but their home record is not supportive. Of the last 12 matches in Serie A at the Olimpico, Lazio were only able to win once, the rest dominated by a draw.

Even so, Lazio had quite good historical capital. They were unbeaten in their last seven meetings with Verona in Serie A, including a 3-0 win in Bentego in January. Verona itself won only once from the last 17 trips to the Olimpico, with 12 defeats in that period.

Hellas Verona came with a more positive note. After making sure to stay in Serie A last season, Paolo Zanetti's side opened a new season with a 1-1 draw against Udinese. The captain Suat Serdar became the hero by scoring the equaliser, while both teams were thwarted by the crossbar.

Zanetti, one of the few Serie A coaches to keep this summer, has also brought his team through the Coppa Italia despite having to go on penalties against Serie C team Audace Cerignola. With the addition of new recruits that are quite promising, Verona is now ready to face a series of tough matches against Lazio, Juventus, and Cremonese before Derby Veneto against Venezia.

Lazio are likely to make some changes after Sarri strongly criticized his team's performance in Como. Midfielder Nicolo Rovella, who was previously absent from accompanying his wife to give birth, will almost certainly return to midfield.

However, Lazio had to lose defender Alessio Romagnoli who was suspended, while Samuel Gigot, Gustav Isaksen, and Patric were still sidelined due to injuries. Matias Vecino is also doubtful. On the front lines, captain Mattia Zaccagni is confirmed to be the starter against his former club, accompanied by Taty Castellos as the spearhead.

In the Verona camp, their transfer activity gave many new options. German defender Armel Bella-Kotchap has just been brought in from Southampton, while young striker Gift Orban joins from Hoffenheim. Three other signings 'Victor Nelsson, Unai Nunez, and Giovanni' have been played since their first game. Verona only lost Tomas Suslov and Nicolas Valentini who were injured.

Lazio came under great pressure to immediately get full points, but the crisis of confidence and the transfer ban made them not easily rise. On the other hand, Verona appeared solid with new ammunition and could take advantage of the hosts' weaknesses. With this situation, the game has the potential to run tight and end up without a winner.

Lazio (4-3-3): Provedel; Marusic, Crazy, Provstgaard, Tavares; Guendouzi, Rovella, Belahyane; Cancellieri, Castellanos, Zaccagni

Hellas Verona (3-5-2): Montipo; Nunez, Nelsson, Frese;mengoke, Bernede, Serdar, Niasse, Bradaric; Giovanni, Sarr

Score prediction: Lazio 1-1 Hellas Verona