A seething Biancocelesti are itching for the chance to exact revenge on Inter for May’s last-gasp drama, while Inter are hoping to put some light between them and fourth place. Kick-off  on Monday at 20:30 CET.

The pain of the two sides’ previous encounter is still palpable among almost all Laziali; manager, squad, management and supporters. The team from the capital are looking to avenge the fact that fourth place was snatched from them in the most dramatic of fashion by Inter in the dying seconds of the final match of the season. And while many people have written off the Biancocelesti’s chances of a decent run this season, especially after they lost both Stefan DiVrij and Felipe Anderson, Simone Inzaghi surprisingly has his team well in the thick of it in fourth place just one point behind Inter.

Lazio will undoubtedly come out of the blocks racing to find an early goal to settle their own nerves and put the match to bed quickly. Ciro Immobile will certainly be handful for Inter’s central defensive pairing, fortunately in DiVrij, Inter have a defender who has trained daily with the striker for at least two seasons and will know exactly what it takes to keep a lid on him.

For Inter, this match presents a much less of a must-win requirement. Inter will undoubtedly do their all to take home all three points, but unlike their hosts, they can approach the match with the clarity and composure that come with not having to win a match. As long as Inter’s composure doesn’t morph into disinterest and complacency, then their chances of getting a result can remain within the realm of reason.

Luciano Spaletti seems to be set on rotating the squad with Kwadwo Asamoah, Ivan Perisic and Borja Valero making way for Dalbert, Antonio Candreva and Keita Balde in the starting line-up. But these changes have a low impact, Lazio’s main source of strength which lies in their midfield, it will be up to Marcelo Brozovic and Matias Vecino to take control of the midfield and ensure that Inter play to the tempo, in the areas and maintain possession to the degree that suits them.

Team News

With no suspensions keeping players off the squad list, Spaletti has to “only” contend with the continued absence of Radja Nainggolan due to injury. As alluded to earlier, the pressure of multiple important matches in a short span of time, will probably see the Italian tactician rotate some players to manage the squad’s fitness levels.

Probable Inter line-up: (4-2-3-1) Handanovic; Dalbert, DiVrij, Skriniar, Vrsalijko; Brozovic, Vecino; Candreva, Politano, Keita; Icardi (C).

Stats

Last Season: Lazio 2-3 Inter.

Last 10 Head to Head: Ever since the most bleak of dates in recent Inter history, May 5th 2002, the trip away to Rome for Inter has been the ultimate trap match. It has only been since last May’s heroics that Interisti can have a fond recent memory of this fixture.

Keep an Eye on

Keita Balde: All signs point to the Senegalese ex-Laziali being given the nod at the trequartista/seconda punta position ahead of Borja Valero. While the pacey forward has so far only shown sporadic bursts of his true form, should he be afforded the starting slot, Keita must run himself into the ground to prove all naysayers and doubters wrong.

Officials

Referee: Massimiliano Irrati.

Assistants: Vuoto, Manganelli.

Fourth Official: Manganiello.

VAR Officials: Rocchi and Alassio.

Prediction & concluding remarks

Prediction & scorers: Lazio 1-2 Inter with the Keita and Vecino scoring.

Concluding remarks: Lazio will be out for blood,which might play in Inter’s favor. An angry un-calculating opponent can be an easier prospect to deal with if it leads to their loss of objectivity and focus. More than any tactical considerations, attitude and disposition will be critical for Spaletti’s men; they must remain calm, defend solidly and frustrate Lazio.