Lazio welcome FK Bodø/Glimt to the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday night in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final, with the Italian side needing a big performance to overturn a 2-0 deficit from the first leg in Norway.
Marco Baroni’s men have it all to do after a disappointing showing in the first leg, while the Norwegian visitors arrive in Rome full of confidence and hoping to pull off one of the tournament’s biggest surprises.
Despite the uphill task, Lazio remain favourites for the second leg, with the home side priced at 1.47 to win with 1win. A comeback is not out of the question, especially given the Biancocelesti’s strong home form in European competition.
A more aggressive approach from Lazio is expected, with a potential value play on the handicap market – Lazio (-1) – offering higher returns. Meanwhile, both teams to score is another attractive option, given how freely both sides have scored throughout the competition.
LAZIO VS FK BODØ/GLIMT PREVIEW
Lazio had a strong run in the Europa League group stage, topping the group with 19 points from six wins, one draw and just one loss. They scored 20 goals and conceded only 9 across the tournament, showing strength on both sides of the pitch.
However, recent form has dipped at the wrong time. The Italian side has won just once in their last seven matches across all competitions, with four draws and two defeats. Their latest setback in the Europa League was the 2-0 loss in Norway, a result that leaves them with a mountain to climb.
Marco Baroni is expected to go all-in with an attacking setup for this return leg, and the electric atmosphere at the Stadio Olimpico could prove vital as Lazio push for a comeback.
FK Bodø/Glimt, meanwhile, have been one of the surprise packages of this Europa League season. They finished ninth in the league phase with 14 points and have continued to impress in the knockout rounds. Their recent form has been outstanding, with three wins out of five in the Europa League playoffs. They have also won their last five in all competitions.
Their 2-0 first-leg win was a perfect display of counter-attacking football and tactical discipline. With 26 goals scored and 17 conceded in the competition, they are more than capable of causing problems again in the Italian capital.
LAZIO VS FK BODØ/GLIMT – PREDICTIONSLazio
Lazio Win
Backed by the Stadio Olimpico crowd and desperate to turn the tie around, Lazio should dominate possession and chances. A home win feels likely, even if it might not be enough to overturn the aggregate score.
Draw
If Bodø/Glimt defend as solidly as they did in the first leg and manage to grab an away goal, Lazio may find it difficult to break them down. A draw will be enough to see the Norwegians through.
FK Bodø/Glimt Win
The Norwegian side are in excellent form and will be full of belief. If they score early, they could pile even more pressure on a fragile Lazio side and pull off a memorable result.
LAZIO VS FK BODØ/GLIMT – BETTING TIPS
Lazio Win
Priced at 1.47 with 1win, a Lazio home win is the most straightforward pick. Expect an aggressive start and high tempo from the hosts.
Both Teams To Score
At 1.85 with Paripesa, this looks like great value. Lazio need to attack, and Bodø/Glimt have the tools to hurt them on the counter. A goal from both sides feels likely.
Lazio -1 Handicap
If Lazio are to progress, they’ll need at least a two-goal margin. This makes the -1 handicap market a solid option for those seeking higher odds.
HEAD-TO-HEAD AND KEY STATS
The only previous meeting between these two sides came in the first leg of this tie, where FK Bodø/Glimt secured a 2-0 win in Norway.
Recent Form – Last 5 Matches (All Competitions):
Lazio: L-D-W-L-D
Bodø/Glimt: W-W-W-W-W
Lazio have scored 20 and conceded 9 in the Europa League this season.
Bodø/Glimt have scored 26 and conceded 17 in the same competition.
Lazio have won 7 of their 11 Europa League games.
Bodø/Glimt have won 7 of their 13 Europa League matches.
Lazio have only 1 win in their last 5 games in all competitions.
