Lazio vs Novara Predictions

Lazio had a pretty poor December, but can they start the New Year off on a high? They are heavy favourites for a win this weekend, as they clash with third tier Novara. The Aquile were Coppa Italia runners-up in 2017, but can they repeat that run to the final? They’ve made a top-four finish their main aim this term, but Simone Inzaghi’s blossoming reputation in Serie A would be boosted if he could end Juve’s grip on this competition. However, they first need to avoid a humiliating exit.

The hosts have got three competitions to focus on this term, as they look to keep up their run in the Europa League too. That’s despite finishing 2018 in shoddy form, which left them struggling to hold onto a top-four spot. They saw pressure grow on Inzaghi after a winless run, but they did finish the Christmas period with two wins in three. They need to up their game heading into a crucial few months, so starting off with a victory this week is huge for the Aquile.

Lazio are expected to kick on and grab a win here, given that they meet a side from Serie C. The third level of Italian football is split into three separate divisions, with Novara sitting 10th out of 20 in Group A. They’ve won just five times in 19 matches at that level, but that hasn’t prevented an impressive cup run from the former Serie A side. They are searching for a huge shock when they make this visit to the capital, but can they defy the odds and secure a shock quarter-final place?

It’s hard to see Lazio slipping up here, their Coppa Italia record of late has been really solid. They won the competition in 2013, reached the final in 2015 and 2017, while last term they exited at the semi-final stage on penalties. Odd years seem to suit them, so can they grab 2019 glory? They should at least ease into the last eight, against a Novara side who have struggled to make much of an impact at the third tier this season.

Their last big trips in this competition resulted in two-goal deficits at Chievo and Udinese. We expect Lazio to make short work of them. Recently. Lazio have met top sides in this competition, with a string of meetings against Juventus, AC Milan and Roma. However, against sides lower down in Italy they’ve been stellar. Their last five meetings with teams outside of Serie A’s top 10 in this competition have all brought victories by two goals or more. That run includes top-flight sides like Torino and Genoa, along with last season’s 4-1 hammering of Catania at this stage. With that in mind, we are tipping Lazio to win by two clear goals.