Europa League: Lazio Look to Turn Porto Tie Around in Rome

Lazio vs Porto

Lazio face a difficult situation in the second leg of their Europa League play-off against Porto. The Italians lost 2-1 in the first leg despite taking an early lead and must now come away victorious at home to keep their round-of-16 hopes alive.

However, the Aquile have some serious issues in attack, with captain and star striker Ciro Immobile still doubtful to play due to illness and the in-form Mattia Zaccagni out due to suspension.

But despite those issues, the Europa League 2022 betting odds still fancy the Biancocelesti to win. Can Maurizio Sarri’s side somehow turn things around at the Stadio Olimpico?

Talking Points

Lazio have serious concerns up front

Lazio will not be in the best of form heading into the second leg against Porto. They have won just one of their last four games in all competitions, which includes their 2-1 defeat to Porto in the first leg, as well as a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of AC Milan in the Coppa Italia.

Lazio were held to a 1-1 draw by relegation-threatened Udinese over the weekend as they were once again without star striker and captain Ciro Immobile for the second straight game due to illness.

Immobile is having another outstanding season for the Biancocelesti. The 32-year-old leads Serie A with 19 goals (in just 21 games) and has a further three goals in the Europa League, but he is still a doubt to play in the second leg.

Pedro got the start at centre-forward in Immobile’s absence in the first leg in Portugal, but he did not produce many Europa League 2022 highlights.

Felipe Anderson was handed the role against Udinese and wound up scoring his first goal since November. With Lazio’s attacking options quite limited, Anderson looks like the favourite to retain that central role if Immobile is once again unable to play.

To make matters worse for Lazio, Mattia Zaccagni will also be out due to suspension after picking up a yellow card in the first leg. The Aquile will sorely miss Zaccagni, who has been in brilliant form with three goals – including the opener against Porto – and two assists in his last five games.

Although, Lazio do have a strong record at the Stadio Olimpico this season. They have lost just once in 16 matches – against Juventus in late November. They have also kept three consecutive clean sheets and didn’t let in a single goal in their three Europa League home group games.

Porto adjusting well to life without Luis Diaz

Porto have hardly missed a beat since losing star forward Luis Diaz to Liverpool in the winter transfer window. They have won four of their five games sans Diaz, with their only setback a 2-2 draw against rivals Sporting. The Portuguese giants remain six points clear of Sporting at the top of Liga NOS.

Thus far, it has been a team effort to help make up for the loss of Diaz’s attacking production. Both Evanilson and Toni Martinez have scored two goals apiece in the last five games, while youngster Fabio Vieira has a goal and three assists.

Porto coach Sergio Conceicao did not start either Evanilson or Mehdi Taremi in the first leg against Lazio, which was quite a surprise. Taremi has been in fantastic form of late, with five goals and three assists in his last seven appearances and 13 goals overall this season.

Although, Conceicao’s choice to start Martinez was completely justified when the Spanish striker scored two goals in their comeback win.

It remains to be seen how Conceicao will choose to line up, but with a slight lead to protect, he can play a more defensive style and try to hit Lazio on the counterattack.

History

Porto have visited the Stadio Olimpico just once before. It was in the semi-finals of the 2003 UEFA Cup. Porto had won the first leg at home 4-1, and they went through to the final after playing out a goalless draw in Rome.

Sergio Conceicao will be quite familiar with the Stadio Olimpico, though. The Porto coach played three seasons for Lazio over two separate stints during his playing days. He also played there during his time with Parma and Inter.

Lazio have a terrific home record against Portuguese clubs in Europe. They are undefeated in six matches, with five wins and a draw.

Meanwhile, Porto have won just four of their 17 away matches against Italian opposition, with four draws and nine losses.

Betting Tip

	Lazio vs Porto	Porto Asian Handicap +0.50 @ 1.70
	February 25, 1:45 (GMT+8)

Despite the possibility of being without two of their top forwards, SBOTOP odds have Lazio installed as slight 2.27 favourites to win the second leg at home. Porto are priced at 3.00, while a draw is not far behind at 3.25.

It’s hard to see past Lazio’s potential absentees up front, though. They are highly reliant on Immobile’s goals, and they are not nearly as dangerous without their captain. Zaccagni’s absence is also a huge loss.

Porto will have the upper hand as a result. At the very least, they should get the draw they need to go through to the round of 16, so they seem like a relatively safe bet on the Asian Handicap market.

 

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