Tomorrow’s match is one of those end-of-season Serie A fixtures — the classic clash between a team fighting for survival with everything on the line, against a side floating comfortably in mid-table without any great ambitions.
For Lazio it is a match that serves to maintain the right rhythm and ensure that the focus never dims — bringing the whole squad to the most important event of the season in the right frame of mind: the (daunting) final against Inter, fresh from winning the title under Chivu.
Cremonese are currently the only side still harbouring survival hopes, and they absolutely need the three points to stay up. Yesterday, following Lecce’s win in Pisa, both Pisa’s relegation and Verona’s were confirmed mathematically — Verona already certain of the drop without even playing today.
It is precisely Lecce who will be Cremo’s opponent for at least another two rounds, with four points separating the two teams — and a game in hand for Giampaolo’s side.
Giampaolo himself is dealing with the Vardy problem: the striker has been unavailable since practically 21 March, though he seems to have some chance of playing tomorrow — an absence that has weighed heavily on the manager, who has barely been able to field him at all.
Cremo are heading towards a classic 4-4-2, perhaps a bit more aggressive given their need for a win. They are a team that performs best on the counter-attack, but tomorrow, as the minutes tick by, they may need to “force” the game a little. Lazio must be clever at “encouraging” that urgency, maintaining quick and ordered possession to frustrate an opponent who really needs the points.
Likely Cremonese line-up (4-4-2): Audero; Terracciano, Baschirotto, Luperto, Pezzella; F. Mussolini, Bondo, Maleh, Pajero; Okereke, Vardy (Bonazzoli).
How Lazio Are Arriving
Sarri’s doubts are many. It is a very delicate moment: about 10 days remain before the most important match, and the frequency of injuries suffered during the season gives much food for thought regarding possible selections.
Taylor is unwell (flu), as are Cataldi and Gila, so there will be significant rotation — this time not only out of necessity but also partly by choice. The fear of losing key pieces is great, and Lazio do not have that many cards to play against a powerhouse like Inter, who won the title with four rounds to spare.
There are many selection battles, especially in attack, where Noslin will likely be given some rest — almost certainly to be replaced by Maldini, who after his goal against Udinese seems to have returned to good form after his lay-off.
An open battle also exists on the left flank, where Pedro is pushing Zaccagni for a starting spot — both in terms of management and form. Zaccagni has not been a factor this season, while Pedro, despite this being practically his last matches with Lazio (retirement announced at the start of the season), always demonstrates what it means to have a player of that “calibre” in the squad, even at the end of his career.
No doubt on the right, where Cancellieri is unavailable, so space for Isaksen, who needs to get minutes and momentum ahead of the final.
Below, our likely XI for the match (our AI is not a fan of some of the players).
A reminder to everyone that the match will be broadcast on Monday 4 May at 18:30 and will be shown on DAZN.
All that remains is to wish you, as always, a good match!
