Sunday April 17th 2011, 2pm GMT
Lazio moved back into the top four last weekend thanks to a 2-0 victory over Parma, and if they can maintain this position with just six games remaining they will be competing in the Champions League next season.
The first obstacle for the Biancoceleste is Sunday’s visit to Catania, and it won’t be an easy one. Catania are unbeaten in their last four league meetings with Lazio, and they have won their last four home games. Former Lazio player Diego Simeone took charge of the Sicilians in January, and he has established some consistency, though Catania are not yet safe from relegation. They are in 14th place in Serie A, five points above the relegation zone, but they have yet to face Inter, Juventus, Roma and Brescia before the season's end.
 |
| Will the eagle see Champions League football next season? |
If Lazio are to win on Sunday, they will need to halt a recent trend which has seen them win at home and then lose away over their last seven games. Catania are a tough prospect at the Stadio Angelo Massimino, but Lazio are the superior side on paper. Their recent inconsistent form has come while many key players were either injured or suspended, and they are now back at full strength apart from the absence of midfielder Francesco Matuzalem, who sits out the final fixture of his three-match ban.
The Romans showed improved cohesion in their win over Parma last Sunday, and if they can finish in the top four their prize will be the aforementioned Champions League football and the accompanying €25 million boost it brings. This weekend provides them with a huge opportunity to strengthen their grip on fourth place, as their closest competitors Udinese face a tough trip to Napoli on Sunday evening. While a win at Catania is never a certainty for any visiting side, I favour Lazio to do the business on Sunday afternoon.
Prediction – Lazio to win – 2pts
Match odds: Catania 10/11
Draw 2/1
Lazio 13/8
Catania: Last 5 Serie A Results
10.04.2011 – Bari 1-1 Catania
03.04.2011 – Catania 4-0 Palermo
20.03.2011 – Udinese 2-0 Catania
13.03.2011 – Catania 1-0 Sampdoria
06.03.2011 – Fiorentina 3-0 Catania
Lazio: Last 5 Serie A Results
10.04.2011 – Lazio 2-0 Parma
03.04.2011 – Napoli 4-3 Lazio
19.03.2011 – Lazio 1-0 Cesena
13.03.2011 – Roma 2-0 Lazio
06.03.2011 – Lazio 2-0 Palermo
