Lazio will be looking to cement their top-two standing in Serie A when they welcome already-relegated Cremonese to Stadio Olimpico on Sunday evening.

The hosts returned to winning ways last time out by getting the better of Udinese, whilst Cremonese experienced an embarrassing collapse at home to Bologna.

Match preview

Lazio put an end to their two-game winless run last Sunday with a narrow away win at Dacia Arena against Udinese, with talisman Ciro Immobile grabbing the only goal of the contest from the penalty spot.

Maurizio Sarri's men had won just one of their last five games prior to a much-needed maximum last time out - the club squashing their most-concerning run in the league this season.

A seven-point cushion from fifth-placed Atalanta ensures Lazio will be playing Champions League football for the first time since 2020 next season, but third-placed Inter Milan are only two points behind and fighting the Eagles for a top-two spot.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has once again proved to be a key figure for Sarri's men this season - the Serbian is always the receiver of intense interest from other clubs, especially in the Premier League.

Cremonese's immediate return to Serie B was confirmed last weekend as Lecce and Spezia played out a goalless draw, but La Cremo's 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Bologna a day earlier had all but sentenced the club to the drop.

Marko Arnautovic and Scotsman Lewis Ferguson were amongst the scorers for the visitors at Stadio Giovanni Zini as Davide Ballardini's men simply capitulated - a 91st-minute strike from Nicola Sansone provided very little consolation.

The Gray and Reds are 19th in the Serie A standings heading into their final away match of a challenging campaign, in the depressing knowledge that they only have 18th, 19th or 20th as possible finishes.

The away support at Stadio Olimpico will not be expecting victory on Sunday, especially when considering that Cremonese have won just one of their 18 away league matches this term, shipping a division-high 35 goals in the painful process.

Team News

Lazio are likely to name a similar side to the one which defeated Udinese last time out, but Pedro Rodriguez could be set for a starting berth after replacing Felipe Anderson at half time on Sunday.

Mattia Zaccagni is enjoying the best-goalscoring season of his career under the stewardship of Sarri this term - the 27-year-old will be looking to net his 11th goal of the campaign in this one.

Cremonese are expected to make a raft of changes following a humbling defeat at home to Bologna, with Pablo Galdames and Frank Tsadjout both likely to be dropped from the XI.

Ex-Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Vlad Chiriches has been unable to stem the flow of goals against his side this season, although in fairness the 33-year-old has been surrounded by defensive teammates with little top-flight experience.

Lazio possible starting lineup:
Provedel; Lazzari, Casale, Romagnoli, Hysaj; Milinkovic-Savic, Vecino, Alberto; Rodriquez, Immobile, Zaccagni

Cremonese possible starting lineup:
Carnesecchi; Sernicola, Bianchetti, Lochoshvilli, Vasquez; Pickel, Meite, Castagnetti, Valeri; Okereke, Tsadjout

We say: Lazio 4-0 Cremonese

Lazio can play with a certain amount of freedom considering their Champions League spot is already sealed, and a wounded Cremonese side are unlikely to pose any problems for the hosts.

Cremonese will be starved of matches at historic grounds such as Stadio Olimpico when they ply their trade in Serie B next season - the Gray and Reds will probably not be too fond of their trip to Rome at the full-time whistle, however.


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