Juventus return to Serie A action under pressure to respond positively after their disappointing midweek exit from the Coppa Italia. The Bianconeri will welcome Lazio to the Allianz Stadium on Sunday evening, seeking to reaffirm their momentum in the league and regain confidence ahead of a crucial run of fixtures.
Match Preview
A Response Needed After Cup Setback
Luciano Spalletti’s side have enjoyed a strong league campaign, winning seven of their last nine Serie A matches and scoring 21 goals in that run — a tally bettered only by Inter Milan. Progression to the Champions League knockout rounds has further boosted morale in Turin, with Spalletti’s tactical clarity and high-intensity style visibly transforming the team.
However, spirits were dampened on Thursday as Juventus suffered a 3-0 defeat away to Atalanta in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals. That result denied them a semi-final place and, perhaps more painfully, a meeting with Sunday’s opponents Lazio in the next round. The defeat now places greater emphasis on a positive league performance, especially with the Derby d’Italia against Inter and a Champions League playoff versus Galatasaray looming on the horizon.
Despite the cup disappointment, Juventus have been formidable at home. The Bianconeri remain unbeaten at the Allianz Stadium this season and boast one of Serie A’s tightest defences, conceding just eight league goals on home soil. Recent history also favours them — Juve have beaten Lazio in their last three home meetings and will aim to extend that record this weekend.
Lazio Searching for Consistency
Lazio arrive in Turin with their confidence lifted after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Genoa, sealed by a Danilo Cataldi penalty deep into stoppage time. Yet, the broader picture remains bleak. Maurizio Sarri’s side have endured an inconsistent campaign marked by internal friction, squad imbalances, and a dip in away form.
Having slid to eighth in the table, the Biancocelesti now face an uphill battle to secure European qualification. Their attack has struggled notably on the road, producing only six goals in 11 away games — their lowest total at this stage of a Serie A season since 1990. With a Coppa Italia semi-final against Bologna scheduled for next week, Sarri will hope his team can rediscover stability in Turin, though history and form suggest a demanding evening ahead.
Interestingly, Lazio did win the reverse fixture 1-0 earlier this season, and they now chase their first league double over Juventus since 1943 — a statistic that underlines the magnitude of the challenge before them.
Team News
Spalletti is expected to recall several key players after rotating his squad in midweek. Goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio and creative star Kenan Yildiz are both set to return to the starting XI. Although Yildiz has managed a minor adductor issue, he should be fit to feature.
In attack, the absence of Dusan Vlahovic and Arkadiusz Milik opens the door for Jonathan David, who will likely compete with Lois Openda for a starting berth. Newly arrived winger Jeremie Boga also provides an extra dimension in the wide areas, while Brazilian defender Bremer remains a significant threat at set pieces, already contributing five goal involvements this term.
For Lazio, injuries and suspensions continue to limit options. Captain Mattia Zaccagni remains unavailable, while Alessio Romagnoli is a doubt after training separately in recent sessions. Full-back Luca Pellegrini — on loan from Juventus last season — is suspended and will miss the chance to face his former club. Samuel Gigot and Manuel Lazzari are also sidelined. Veteran winger Pedro, however, is fit to feature and is set to mark his 150th Serie A appearance for the Biancocelesti.
Probable Starting XI’s
Juventus (4-2-3-1): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly, Cambiaso; Thuram, Locatelli; Conceicao, McKennie, Yildiz; David
Lazio (4-3-3): Provedel; Marusic, Gila, Provstgaard, Tavares; Basic, Cataldi, Taylor; Isaksen, Maldini, Pedro
Prediction
Juventus will view this fixture as the ideal opportunity to reassert their authority and shake off the disappointment of their cup exit. Lazio’s mounting injuries, suspension issues, and poor away record weigh heavily against them, while Spalletti’s men remain nearly unbreachable at home.
Prediction: Juventus 2-0 Lazio
