Lazio's most useful advantage is the way their forward passing and left-sided width meet Sassuolo's protection around the first pass. Sassuolo's expected attacking changes restore outlets after a much quieter display at Como. The contest should turn on whether those outlets can relieve pressure before another delivery reaches the box.
Belahyane's forward pass and Taylor's arrival helped create Lazio's opening goal against Parma. Tavares and Zaccagni offer a second route against Sassuolo's right-side cover, with Isaksen available for the switch across the pitch. Como repeatedly found that side after the interval, while Frosinone exposed Sassuolo through a buildup loss and a corner rebound.
Boloca and Kone remain unavailable, leaving a changed midfield to connect the restored attack. Lazio's expected midfield and front line already operated against Parma without the players on their continuing absence list; the case does not require Pinamonti to return. The projected selections remain estimates, with Esposito, Lauriente and Thorstvedt expected to have larger roles for Sassuolo.
I expect an initially compact contest followed by more demands on Sassuolo's wide cover as Lazio recycle possession and bring midfield runners forward. Lazio's actual box access against Parma carries more weight here than the headline winning sequence. That's why I'm siding with Lazio to win.
