Verdict: Inter Milan win & Under 4.5 goals

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Dachbet

In what is a heavyweight showdown from the San Siro this weekend, Inter Milan will host Lazio on Sunday night.

Inter Milan

Starting with the hosts, while Inter Milan might have failed to make a major Champions League statement earlier in the week as they claimed a 2-1 victory against European debutants Kairat Almaty, the Italian giants are enjoying what has been an eye-catching run. Last seen in Serie A action landing another 2-1 win away at Verona, Cristian Chivu’s men have their sights firmly set on recapturing their domestic crown this season. Signing off October with a dominant 3-0 victory against a struggling Fiorentina, the former Parma boss has seen his superstar squad win 10 of their previous 11 appearances across all competitions. Despite enduring a stuttering start to proceedings, Sunday’s hosts have come roaring back in a sensational fashion and they will be looking to claim a heavyweight domestic scalp here.

Inter Milan Team News

Not featuring over the past month and still dealing with a recent calf issue, Inter Milan will once again be without one-time Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian here. However, making a timely return and getting some Champions League minutes under his belt in midweek, French ace Marcus Thuram could make a first domestic appearance since September 27th.

Completing a season-long loan switch from Manchester City over the summer, Manuel Akanji should be handed a full recall. Extending on his European romp earlier in the week and already notching 10 goals for club and country so far this year, skipper Lautaro Martinez will play a leading role in attack.

Lazio

As for the visitors, losing three of their opening four Serie A appearances and at the heart of a remarkable relegation scrap, Lazio have found themselves under a tremendous amount of pressure. However, securing a 2-0 victory at home against Cagliari earlier in the week, Maurizio Sarri’s men have turned a much-welcomed corner on either side of October’s international break. Making a real statement on October 26th as they clinched a famous 1-0 win against historic rivals Juventus, Sunday’s guests are unbeaten in each of their previous six consecutive Serie A appearances. Signing off September with a dominant 3-0 victory away at Genoa, Lazio have gained a recent reputation for their defensive steel. In fact, along with recording a clean sheet in all of their last four straight domestic matchups, the former Chelsea boss has also seen his squad come away unscathed in five of those six appearances.

Lazio Team News

Not featuring since suffering a calf injury against Atalanta on October 19th, Lazio are once again expected to be without former Arsenal defender Nuno Tavares. Likewise, still dealing with an extended groin issue, Italian international midfielder Nicolo Rovella will not travel to the San Siro this weekend.

Recently returning from a thigh issue, veteran midfielder Matias Vecino could get some more minutes under his belt. While Senegalese striker Boulaye Dia might have registered just a single strike in any of his first 10 Serie A appearances, the ex-Villarreal marksman should keep his spot leading the line.

Inter Milan vs Lazio Key Factors to Consider

• Inter Milan are unbeaten in all of their previous seven showdowns against Lazio (five wins, two draws).
• Sunday’s hosts have won 10 of their previous 11 appearances across all competitions.
• Lazio are unbeaten in each of their last six consecutive Serie A appearances (three wins, three draws).
• Along with recording a clean sheet in all of their last four straight domestic matchups, Lazio have also come away unscathed in five of those six appearances.
• Inter skipper Lautaro Martinez has registered 10 goals for club and country so far this season.

Conclusion

Looking to reclaim their spot at the top of the Serie A standings this weekend, Inter Milan will know the importance of claiming a heavyweight domestic scalp here. Riding what has become an extended wave of momentum, Sunday’s hosts have won 10 of their previous 11 appearances across all competitions and they have also gained a reputation for their continued dominance at the San Siro. Although Lazio might have impressed thanks to their new-found defensive steel, Sarri’s camp will be more than aware that they face a stern examination this weekend.

Verdict: Inter Milan win & Under 4.5 goals

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Dachbet