Juventus vs Lazio
It is rarely dull being a Lazio fan.
Sadly, for them, it has not been much fun as of late.
Serie A may be only one-game old but SBOBET odds already suggest Lazio have some work to do to improve on last season’s showing.
Talking Points
You may recall the final decisive action of last term. A late turnaround and one that sparked an implosion which could yet cost Lazio for years to come.
Then, last weekend, a 2-1 home defeat to Napoli ensured they carried on from where they left off last term.
Coach Simone Inzaghi felt they threw away the points after taking the lead against the visitors from Naples, describing the defeat as “our usual blackout”—reminding him of that decisive loss to Inter.
The question now is, can they recover with Juve, Napoli, Inter, AC Milan, and to a lesser extent the likes of Roma and Fiorentina, all strengthening their squads?
Granted, matches against the top two do not provide the easiest start in the world and Inzaghi knows he has the likes of Lucas Leiva, Senad Lulic and Patric (all suspended from the opening match), as well as Jordan Lukaku and Valon Berisha (injured), as options to come back into the squad.
On a positive note, they have also retained the services of talented young Serbian midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic who reportedly will soon be offered a new contract that could include a €150m release clause.
Keeping him at the Stadio Olimpico is a real boost for the club in need of one, particularly with speculation linking him to a wealth of top clubs over the summer including Juventus, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.
The focus for this club is just not on the pitch, of course, with the club’s ‘ultras’ section of support—known for their violence, racism and anti-Semitism—calling for women to be banned from the Curva Nord part of the stadium.
They advised them not to stand in the front 10 rows and for those who “considered football an alternative to a romantic walk” to sit elsewhere.
While Lazio fans have got plenty to occupy their minds on and off the pitch, Juventus are excited at the prospect of a home debut for CR7.
Their opening day victory against Chievo did prove one thing, however: that it may take time for them to find the perfect balance in their new-look attack.
Coach Max Allegri, who has seen Bosnian international Miralem Pjanic extend his contract with the club this week, will know this is a real test to get the mix right as the Cristiano Ronaldo mania sweeps through Turin.
If you don’t believe me, go over to Italy where his face is on the front of newspapers, his name on the back of children’s shirts. In fact, there’s already a pizza and an ice cream named in his honour.
With Juventus gaining an extra six million social media followers since his arrival, all eyes will be on the world superstar this weekend.
Will Lazio be able to cope or can they take on the role of party-poopers once more?
History
This time last year was special for Lazio fans, however.
On that occasion, Alessandro Murgia scored a dramatic last-gasp winner to stun the champions in the curtain raiser to the new campaign.
It got even better in October when Lazio won at Turin in the league fixture, thanks to a Ciro Immobile double which ended the champions’ unbeaten start to the season.
There was then equal drama in March when Paulo Dybala broke the deadlock and Lazio hearts in the final meeting of the return fixture, a result which proved pivotal in the title race.
If this meeting is any of the three contests from last season, then we are in for some of the best Serie A 2018 highlights before August is out!
Betting Tip
 |
 |
Juventus vs Lazio | Juventus Asian Handicap -1.50 @ 2.13 |
| August 26, 00:00 (GMT+8) |
With the best player on the planet now in action for the Old Lady, they are well in position to win an eighth straight league title.
Juventus have everything they need, and I don’t think they will ruin the party in front of their home fans.
Other bets that catch my eye are for the hosts to also lead at the break: Juventus First Half Asian Handicap -0.75 @ 2.29.
A tight affair of total goal 0-1 will pay out at 3.95. Meanwhile, for Lazio to repeat their feat of 10 months ago or even get a draw, there’s a tantalising double chance bet of Lazio or Draw @ 2.97.
A repeat of last season’s scoreline 1-2 will get you massive odds at 32.00.
Can lightning really strike twice?
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
|
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
