Lazio’s lackluster start to the season has positioned them as one of the most underwhelming teams across Europe, not just in Serie A (SA). Their recent 1-1 draw with Monza left them stranded in 15th place with only four points from their opening five games (W1, D1, L3). This performance starkly contrasts with their impressive runner-up finish last season, their best since clinching the scudetto in the 1999/00 season.
Ironically, their sole victory this season came against reigning SA champions Napoli, and they’ll need a similar performance as they face Torino to avoid starting a top-flight campaign without a win in their first three home games for the first time since 2004/05. The Stadio Olimpico faithful are eagerly awaiting their Eagles to regain their winning form, especially since Lazio has been unable to secure a victory in their last five meetings with Torino (D4, L1).
Torino, on the other hand, has picked up the pace in their league campaign after a slow start. Their recent 1-1 draw with Roma followed back-to-back wins without conceding. Manager Ivan Jurić aims to capitalize on their improved form and exploit their hosts’ misfortune. A win here could lead Torino to their joint-best points tally after six games in the last seven seasons, a significant achievement.
Jurić will be looking to settle a personal vendetta with Lazio, as he has secured only two victories in 12 managerial encounters against them (D5, L5). Leveraging Torino’s recent away form will be crucial, as they have won six of their last eight away matches (D1, L1).
In terms of key players, Lazio’s captain, Ciro Immobile, tends to excel in this fixture, having scored seven goals in his last nine H2H encounters. Meanwhile, Torino will rely on Nemanja Radonjić, who has been their top scorer this season. Notably, Torino has never lost when Radonjić has found the back of the net (W6).
A noteworthy statistic is that since the beginning of last season, no SA team has won more league matches when starting as a betting outsider than Torino, with seven such victories. This stat underscores Torino’s ability to defy the odds and secure crucial wins, which could serve them well as they face Lazio in a bid to continue their resurgence in the SA standings.