Prediction: Inter Milan vs Lazio

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 10/17

Bookmaker: BetUS

Inter Milan host Lazio at San Siro on Sunday night in a crucial Serie A encounter that holds significant implications for both teams.

Simone Inzaghi’s side boosted their Scudetto chances with a win over Torino, while Lazio strengthened their push for Champions League qualification by avoiding defeat against Juventus.

Inter Milan

Inter nearly enjoyed a flawless Sunday last weekend, claiming a 2-0 win away at Torino, before watching title rivals Napoli unexpectedly drop points at home to Genoa. That result tightened the Serie A title race, with Napoli’s lead shrinking from three points to just one.

However, with a Champions League final looming, Inzaghi faces a dilemma: whether to go all-out in the league or rotate to preserve key players. Sunday’s clash now carries huge weight, as it represents the toughest remaining fixture for either title contenders. A loss for Inter could hand the advantage back to Napoli, who face relegation-threatened Parma.

Inter’s home form offers confidence – they’ve won seven of their last eight Serie A matches at San Siro, including their epic Champions League semi-final victory over Barcelona. Last weekend’s success also saw Inzaghi become only the second manager in Serie A history to achieve 100 wins with two different clubs, ing Nils Liedholm.

The Nerazzurri will be eyeing a season double over Lazio, having dismantled the Biancocelesti 6-0 in the reverse fixture. Inter haven’t achieved that feat since 2016/17 but will be buoyed by four wins from their last five home meetings with Lazio. While last season’s fixture ended in a draw, Lazio boss Marco Baroni has endured a torrid run against Inter, failing to win in eight attempts (D1, L7), which doesn’t bode well for Sunday’s showdown.

Team News

With the Serie A title race hanging in the balance, Inzaghi will be forced to strike a delicate balance between maintaining momentum and managing his squad ahead of the Champions League final. Despite the looming European showpiece, he’s unlikely to rotate heavily, knowing that anything less than a win could effectively end Inter’s Scudetto hopes.

However, injuries could shape his selection. Lautaro Martínez is doubtful after pushing through pain against Barcelona, while Davide Frattesi – who scored the decisive goal in that semi-final – is also a concern with an abdominal issue. Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Benjamin Pavard remain sidelined, further limiting Inzaghi’s options.

There is better news regarding Kristjan Asllani, who appears likely to be available despite picking up a late knock in the win over Torino. All signs point to Inzaghi fielding the strongest XI available to him, with key roles likely falling to the likes of Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, and Marcus Thuram, as Inter aim to stay in control of their own destiny.

Lazio

Lazio enter Sunday’s clash with Inter Milan buoyed by their dramatic late equalizer against Juventus, a result that crucially keeps their Champions League hopes alive. Matias Vecino’s 96th-minute strike not only salvaged a point but ensured the Biancocelesti remain level on 64 points with Juve, though they trail due to head-to-head record.

That said, Marco Baroni’s side face the toughest test of the weekend among the top-six contenders, and with Bologna and Roma breathing down their necks, a defeat at San Siro could see them drop out of the European spots altogether.

Encouragingly for Lazio, their best recent performances have come on the road – with three straight away wins at Atalanta, Genoa, and Empoli – and they could now claim a fourth consecutive away league victory for the first time since 2021.

Team News

However, player absences may hinder their chances. Mattia Zaccagni and Luca Pellegrini are suspended, and Nuno Tavares is injured, leaving Lazio short on the left. Fortunately, the returns of Manuel Lazzari and Elseid Hysaj offer timely reinforcements in the full-back roles, though Patric’s fitness remains uncertain.

Conclusion

Anything but an Inter defeat here would take the title race into the final round of the campaign. Their formidable home form – seven wins in their last eight league games at San Siro – combined with their dominant 6-0 win over Lazio earlier this season, gives them a strong psychological edge.

However, Lazio arrive with their own motivations, fighting fiercely for a Champions League berth. Baroni’s side have thrived on the road lately, winning their last three away games, and will aim to frustrate their hosts.

Still, with Inter’s depth, momentum, and superior head-to-head pedigree, the Nerazzurri are well-placed to grind out a result. Expect a competitive encounter, but the home side may just edge it, dealing a potentially critical blow to Lazio’s top-four hopes.

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 10/17

Bookmaker: BetUS