The Stadio Olimpico in Rome will be the setting for the 2015 Coppa Italia Final when treble chasing Juventus take on Lazio.
The Bianconeri will be looking to lift the trophy for the first time since 1995 and their 10th time overall, eager to complete the second-leg of their treble ambitions, having already wrapped up the Serie A title and qualifying for the Champions League final next month. Juve have tasted defeat in their last three visits to the final.
Lazio, who are currently sitting third in the Serie A standings have triumphed on six occasions in this competition, most recently in 2013 when they defeated bitter city rivals Roma 1-0 in the final. They have recorded just two wins from their past six league outings but are still in the box seat to claim a Champions League spot next season, either automatically or through a two legged qualifier.
The Old Lady’s road to final has been relatively straight forward, thumping Hellas Verona 6-1 and edging past Parma 1-0 before suffering a scare in their first-leg Semi-final encounter against Fiorentina, going down 2-1. They made amends in the second fixture , however, cruising to a 3-0 victory on the night and taking out the tie 4-2 on aggregate.
The Biancazzuri’s campaign has been a convincing one, thrashing lower league opposition Bassano Virtus 7-0 and Varese 3-0 respectively, before deserved victories over Torino and AC Milan saw them pitted against Napoli in the Semi-finals. A Senad Lulic goal was enough for Lazio to progress, winning the second-leg 1-0 and edging the tie 2-1 on aggregate.
Key Battle – Felipe Anderson vs Arturo Vidal
The Brazilian has been a revelation, scoring ten goals combined with eight assists this season. His versatility makes him dangerous customer as he able to operate across the front three, constantly taking up different positions making him a hard player to mark. He will hold the key if Lazio are to unlock Juve’s miserly defence.
One of the most complete midfielders in Europe, Arturo Vidal’s box-to-box style has made him such a vital cog in the Turin giants midfield engine room. The Chilean’s tenacity, technical ability and athleticism will be crucial in deciding the midfield battle. He will have the dual role of curbing Anderson’s influence, but also linking up in Juve’s attacks making those renowned ghosting runs into the penalty area.
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Team News
Massimo Allegri will be without man of the moment Alvaro Morata and midfielder Claudio Marchisio who are both suspended after picking up bookings in the second-leg tie against Fiorentina. The absence of Marchisio could see a reversion back to a 3-5-2 formation, unless Roberto Pereya gets the nod in what would be a straight swap enabling the Italian to stick with the 4-3-1-2 system. Allegri has the option to recall up to seven key players who were rested for the match against Inter Milan on Saturday.
Juventus expected lineup (3-5-2): Buffon, Lichtsteiner, Bonnuci, Chiellini, Barzagli, Evra, Pirlo, Pogba, Vidal, Llorente, Tevez.
Lazio midfielder Lucas Biglia missed the match against Sampdoria at the weekend and remains a doubt. Stefano Poli could call on Dutch defender Stefan de Vrij as he edges closer to full fitness after making a cameo appearance off the bench. The successful return of Santiago Gentiletti provides Poli with a defensive selection dilemma. First choice goalkeeper Frederico Marchetti is available after serving a one match suspension.
Lazio expected lineup (4-3-2-1): Marchetti, Basta, Ciani, Gentiletti, Radu, Parola, Ledesma, Lulic, Candreva, Anderson, Klose.
Head-to-head
The Turin giants have held sway in this fixture over recent times having won five of their past seven meetings, including the double this season in the league. Lazio’s last victory indeed came in the Coppa Italia in 2013, defeating Juve 2-1 in which they then proceeded to go on and lift the trophy. The Roman’s have interestingly won three of their past four meetings in the Coppa Italia.
Previous Meeting
The last time these two faced off in the Coppa Italia Final was back in 2004 in a two legged affair that Lazio prevailed 4-2 on aggregate. The most recent Serie A meeting came in April where Juventus brushed aside Lazio 2-0 with Carlos Tevez and Leonardo Bonucci getting on the scoresheet.
Prediction
Lazio playing at home in front of their passionate supporters will give them the impetus to cause a potential upset and de-rail the Old Lady’s treble chances, but the return of a host of rested key players for Juve will ensure they are re-invigorated in their attempts to win the Coppa Italia for the first time in 20 years. Juventus are beaming with confidence and while Lazio will provide a stern test, the Bianconeri have too much quality and should tick off trophy number two with victory on Wednesday night.
Juventus 2 Lazio 1
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