Lazio will look to maintain their place at the top of Serie A when they travel to the Mapei Stadium on Tuesday evening to face a struggling Sassuolo side.

The Biancocelesti have enjoyed one of the strongest starts in their recent history, while the hosts arrive under pressure after collecting just one point from their last four league matches.

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 5/4

Bookmaker: 22bet

Sassuolo

Sassuolo’s season is beginning to drift in the wrong direction.

Alberto Aquilani’s team have taken only one point from their previous four league fixtures, slipping closer to the relegation battle after disappointing defeats against Frosinone and Como. Their latest setback was particularly concerning, as they failed to register a single shot on target during a 2-0 loss at the Stadio Sinigaglia.

Defensive issues continue to undermine any progress. The Neroverdi remain without a clean sheet in Serie A this season, and that statistic becomes even more worrying ahead of a meeting with one of the league’s most prolific sides.

However, there is one encouraging factor. Sassuolo remain unbeaten at home in league action this season and have often developed a reputation for causing problems for Italy’s leading clubs when playing in Reggio Emilia.

Team News

As always, much of the attacking burden will fall on Domenico Berardi. The long-serving forward remains the club’s talisman and continues to be their greatest source of inspiration in difficult periods.

Sebastiano Esposito and Kieron Bowie are competing for places in attack, while Nemanja Matic is expected to be available despite being withdrawn early against Como due to fatigue.

Ismael Kone, Jay Idzes, Daniel Boloca and Fedde Leysen remain unavailable through injury.

Lazio

Everything appears to be clicking into place for Lazio.

Gennaro Gattuso’s side climbed to the top of the Serie A table after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Parma, extending their unbeaten league start to eight matches. It is Lazio’s best opening sequence since the famous 1999-00 campaign that ended with the Scudetto trophy arriving in Rome.

The statistics underline their dominance. Lazio have scored at least twice in each of their last six league matches and possess the strongest defensive record in the division. They are also the only team across Europe’s top five leagues yet to concede a first-half goal this season.

Recent victories over Juventus, Real Madrid, Osasuna and Parma have transformed the Biancocelesti into genuine title contenders, and confidence within the squad is understandably high.

Away form has also been excellent. Lazio have not lost a Serie A away fixture since last season’s Derby della Capitale defeat to Roma and have developed a habit of finding results in difficult environments.

Their recent record against Sassuolo is strong too, with four wins from the last six Serie A meetings between the clubs.

Team News

Gattuso still faces a few fitness concerns, with Adam Marusic and Nicolo Rovella doubtful.

However, the visitors retain plenty of depth, and Kenneth Taylor’s goal against Parma could earn him another start alongside former Sassuolo midfielder Davide Frattesi.

Key Factors to Consider

• Lazio are unbeaten in their first eight Serie A matches.
• The Biancocelesti currently lead the league standings.
• Sassuolo have collected just one point from their last four games.
• The Neroverdi have yet to keep a clean sheet this season.
• Lazio have scored at least two goals in six consecutive matches.
• The visitors own the best defensive record in Serie A.

Conclusion

Sassuolo’s home record suggests they will not make life easy for Lazio, and the hosts have often frustrated bigger clubs in the past.

However, the current disparity in form between the two teams is difficult to ignore. Lazio are playing with confidence, scoring regularly and defending better than any other side in the division, while Sassuolo continue to struggle at both ends of the pitch.

The hosts may be capable of earning moments of encouragement, but Lazio appear far better equipped to control the contest and extend their unbeaten start to the campaign.