Lazio – Udinese

Two struggling sides in the form of Lazio and Udinese will square off in the Coppa Italia Round 16, with the match being played over a single leg at Olimpico in Rome.

Lazio is on the back of a disappointing 1-1 home draw against Sampdoria on Monday, but it wasn’t really that much of a shock considering Lazio’s form. It was the 7th consecutive match without a win in Serie A for today’s hosts, who lost 5 times in that timespan. As a result, Lazio has dropped from Champions League contender to the 12th place in the Serie A.

After winning 3 consecutive matches in all competitions, Udinese was handed two heavy beatings in the last two matches, losing 3-0 to Fiorentina and 4-0 to Inter, falling to the 15th place in the league standings. Having showed some horrible defending lately, Udinese will know that they have to improve at the back if they are to challenge a good attacking team like Lazio.

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Team news: Lazio is expected to make a number of changes in the lineup, besides the unavailable players like De Vrij, Basta, Marchetti, Lulic or Kishna. Udinese could also field a couple of substitues in the first 11. Heurtauz, Zapata and Merkel will not play.

Lazio is in horrible form, they have injury problems, will rest some starters and played on Monday in Serie A, so this match isn’t exactly coming at the right time. Udinese isn’t playing any better and they could use some rotation in the lineup as well, but Lazio is expected to make more changes and Udinese has two extra days of rest. A case could be made that the visitors are taking this game more seriously, as a long Cup run is all they can hope for in terms of success this year.

Udinese proved many times that they can pull off upsets, including this season, when they beat Juventus in Torino and almost got a draw in Napolo. Considering the circumstances I reckon they have a good chance for at least a draw and the odds are very tasty. My tip is Udinese to cover the +1 asian handicap.

Even if Lazio finally manages to get a win, chances are it will be very close. Keeping the stakes reasonable though. Prediction: Lazio – Udinese 1-1 (Lazio wins via penalties).

Pick: Udinese (+1 Asian Handicap)
Odds: 1.78 @ 1xBet
Stake: 7
Possible profit: 5.46
Event date: 17 December