Our prediction for this Europa League match:
Sturm Graz and Lazio square off against each other at Merkur-Arena in what is expected to be an exciting Europa League game. Lazio have been in a splendid form in the Serie A of late, with Serbia midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic impressing week by week, and it is no surprise the bookies see the Biancocelesti as favourites to win Thursday’s clash. Both Hysaj and Pedro are pushing for a start, while Fares and Casale should miss out with injuries.
The Austrians, on the other hand, experienced all sorts of problems at the back in a 6-0 loss to Feyenoord, which is yet another reason why away win should be considered. As for the hosts, all Demaku, Emegha, and Jantscher are out of contention with injuries. In their last meeting in Austria Lazio defeated Sturm 3-1, and we predict that the history is going to repeat itself.
Highlighted Player (Elseid Hysaj):
Born on 2nd February 1994, Elseid Hysaj is an Albanian defender who has spent his entire professional career in Italian Serie A and he is predicted a bright future in the game. Empoli scouts spotted his talent while he was playing for Shodra youth sides, and after three years in the youth team, the full-back was promoted to the first team set up.
Hysaj performed really well in his first three years as a first team regular, helping the Azzurri gain promotion to the top fight in the process. One season in Serie A proved enough for the right-sided defender to secure a big club move as he joined Napoli in the summer of 2015 and immediately nailed down a regular starting berth.
Capable of doing dirty defensive work as well as making forward runs, Hysaj is a modern full-back, who is destined for big things. The talented footballer is already a key member of the Albania national team and he will represent the country at the Euro 2016 finals.
Highlighted Team (Lazio):
Lazio Roma are an Italian football club based in Rome. Lazio were founded in 1900 and they compete in the Serie A. The Biancocelesti (The White and Sky Blues) have won two Serie A trophies (1973/1974, 1999/2000), while lifting six Coppa Italia titles.
The capital club play their home games at Stadio Olimpico and Roma are regarded as Lazio’s main rivals.
The two teams face each other in the Derby della Capitale and it is considered the fiercest inter-city derby in Italy. Lazio won UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1999, with the team beating Mallorca in the title game. The same year they managed to clinch the UEFA Super Cup trophy as they outplayed English giants Manchester United at Stade Louis II, Monaco.
The likes of Pavel Nedved, Giuseppe Favalli, Juan Sebastian Veron, Sinisa Mihajlovic, Roberto Mancini, Giuseppe Signori, Miroslav Klose and Simone Inzaghi are notable footballers who played for Lazio in the past.