Gattuso to scrap for all Vs Serie A's current best
The form team of Serie A take on Gennaro Gattuso’s Napoli for the first time since his appointment, with Lazio looking to record their tenth consecutive league win. They have not had the chance to entertain their home faithful since early December when they went on to dismantle the Champions elect Juventus 3-1 to reignite the Serie A title race, giving Inter Milan a leg up in the process. Napoli are still ceasing to click again since Carlo Ancelotti’s departure and are a seismic 15 points and five points behind Simone Inzaghi’s men in third.
Gennaro Gattuso
This is the legendary World Cup winners’ third gig in Serie A after taking up the challenge of AC Milan. Gattuso took charge with Milanin a precarious position following a turbulent summer transfer window and in consecutive seasons galvanised the squad to within a victory of Champions League qualification. To top off his admirable performance in the role he honorarily walked away from the club during his contract not taking a penny in compensation, when it is was mutually believed that he and AC Milan should move in separate ways.
Luis Alberto
Former Liverpooland one-time Spain international Luis Alberto is in arguably the form of his life, taking up the main creative role across Lazio’s stupendous run. He has registered three goals and 12 assists this term which sets him comfortably apart at the top of the laying on charts, without him Inzaghi’s attacking contingent would not be able to perform as devastatingly as it has done.
The White and Sky Blues are unbeaten in 12 winning on ten of those occasions and now have nothing to distract them off of pushing towards a minimum of Champions League qualification after throwing away the Europa League as Celtic and CFR Cluj went on to qualify ahead of them.
Arkadiusz Milik
Amidst a difficult season results wise and picking up niggling injuries, the Polish striker has been especially effective when available. The 25-year-old has managed 10 goals in 12 appearances, including two in his last three league appearances. Gattuso will need his main man in top form if they are to take anything from the Stadio Olimpico as is the third placed side’s ruthless nature of late.
Napoli are unbeaten in these two’s last eight meetings winning seven of them so will not be short of belief on Saturday, fired up by the ever-energised Gattuso. Napoli’s last four have all brought over 2.5 goals and the same can be said for Lazio’s last 13 non-Europa League matches.
Lazio will not have good memories of this encounter but will still be favourites, it is an enthralling fixture with Napoli in more need of points than the hosts.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
This match bucked the trend, Lazio were still good enough to scrape a 1-0 victory, with Ciro Immobile getting the winner on 82 minutes.