On December 16, 2024, Lazio will face off against Inter Milan at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome for the highly anticipated 16th round of the Italian Serie A. Kickoff is set for 21:45 Moscow time, and fans are eagerly awaiting this key matchup.
According to odds provided by PARI bookmaker, the odds for Inter Milan's success are rated at 2.10, indicating approximately a 46% chance of winning. Meanwhile, odds for Lazio's triumph sit at 3.90, which equates to about 26% likelihood. A draw, which many experts believe is likely, is listed at 3.40 with around 28% probability.
The expectation for the match is palpable, particularly among fans of Lazio, who are buoyed by their recent successes and eager to maintain their strong standing. Currently, 68% of wagers are backing Inter to win, with 24% supporting Lazio, and 8% on the draw.
Interestingly, analysts suggest the match might not see many goals scored. The total greater than 2.5 goals is offered at 1.95, whereas lesser than 2.5 is at 1.85. Despite this, betting markets still expect both teams to find the net, with odds of 1.78 for both to score. Should both teams score two or more, the odds improve to 5.20 for such outcomes. Notably, betting on Inter to score exclusively has odds of 3.60, and for Lazio, it stands at 6.30.
Many pundits are predicting the most probable outcome will be a draw at 1-1, which carries odds of 6.50. The largest single bet so far reached 107,000 rubles, demonstrating the high stakes involved.
Going by recent form, Inter Milan enters this match having gone nine matches unbeaten in Serie A, with impressive victories against teams like Empoli (3-0) and Verona (5-0). Currently, they sit fourth on the table with 31 points, but are considered favorites to claim the championship this year, with odds of 1.85 for their overall victory in Serie A.
Lazio shares similar points but ranks lower due to goal difference, holding fifth place. Their recent performance shows victories against Cagliari (2-1), Monza (1-0), Bologna (3-0), and Napoli (1-0) alongside one defeat to Parma (1-3), illustrating their competitive edge.
Predictions have been carefully considered against the backdrop of both teams’ forms and statistics. Notably, Lazio fans have reason to cheer due to their rival Roma's struggles this season, which are paralleling historical trends of early-season collapses. According to Opta, Roma has lost eight of their first 16 matches, something not seen since 1973/74.
With Lazio’s Marco Baroni expected to make significant lineup changes, up to eight alterations compared to their last game against Ajax, the team will be without striker Tati Castellanos due to suspension. This could hinder their attacking potential, which is still one of the strongest, especially late in games. This season, they have frequently scored several goals through determined efforts late on.
Simone Indzaghi, Inter's coach, acknowledged the challenges faced after their recent defeat to Bayer Leverkusen (0-1) and emphasized the importance of maintaining focus throughout the match. He remarked, "For me, matches against Lazio will never feel routine," reflecting his recognition of the rivalry between the two teams.
Overall, this encounter promises to be intense, with tactical innovations from both sides and strong fan engagement. Expectations are high but cautious, as both teams bring their best to the field on December 16.
