Lazio to make it nine in a row at Brescia
Brescia take on Lazio as Serie A returns on Sunday. Both clubs are fighting for points for very different reasons. Who will come out on top? Have a read of our preview here:
From dead and buried to full of life
It was not long ago that Brescia were labelled the Serie A whipping boys. Trouble on the pitch with performances were marred by issue off the field surrounding the racist abuse suffered by Mario Balotelli and the lack of action or support shown by his own team or fans.
That tension has been a stain on the Italian game this season where there have been a number of incidents across the league with only a few clubs committing to change that.
On the pitch, things have improved for Brescia in the last four games with the side bagging a much-needed seven points from the last 12 including vital wins over Lecce at home and SPAL on the road. The point picked up at Parma could still be important with the bottom of the table so tight.
Brescia are still in the relegation zone but they are no longer adrift and currently sit just a single point behind Lecce and Sampdoria and three behind an out of form Fiorentina.
If they can get anything from Lazio it will be a huge boost to their confidence and will again highlight some of the talent they can call upon including the more than promising Sandro Tonali.
Can Lazio mount a title challenge?
Lazio fans know the chance of them bagging a Scudetto is slim, but they also can’t have been in better form than they are now.
They have not lost a game in 11 in Serie A and have won the last eight in a row which included wins against Juventus, AC Milan and a 2-1 win away in Cagliari.
This really could be a season where there is a genuine three-way title race. Inter are currently sitting top, level on points with Juve who both have 42 from 17 games.
Lazio have 36 from 16 matches and can pull within just three of their rivals if they can win that game in hand.
Going to a Brescia side who are fighting for their lives will be no given but with Ciro Immobile in such clinical form, 19 goals already this season, they have every chance of closing the gap at the top of the table.
Brescia v Lazio betting tip
Even with Brescia’s improved form, this is a Lazio side on fire right now. Therefore we are tipping an away win at odds of 4/9 with Betfair as Serie A kick-offs off after the winter break.
Post bet chat James's Tips:
Lazio continued their amazing form by sinking a spirited Brescia 2-1