La Gazzetta dello Sport 

Scudetto mix

Six teams within two points

Napoli ahead with McTominay, Calhanoglu responds but then misses a penalty. Conte stays in first but contests the usage of VAR. Atalanta, Lazio and Fiorentina (Kean hat-trick!) move within -1. Juve -2. 

Roma, Juric gone

Mancini in pole, Garcia alternative 

Corriere dello Sport

Conte on summit 

Napoli stop Inter and Ancotino attacks VAR

San Siro challenge ends 1-1: Azzurri seal top spot 

McTominay scores, Calhanoglu fights back. Then the Turk misses a penalty: Ball hits the post. Harsh from the coach: ‘A sensational mistake, whoever was in charge of the video should have intervened, this is how ulterior motives cane arise’

End of a Roma

Juric sacked, a new coach coming in, Garcia rising 

Revolution after the 3-2 defeat against Bologna and the protests of the fans at the Olimpico. Ghisolfi: ‘We apoligise, it’s our fault’. Allegri the dream, The fFrenchman advances. Italiano flies with Castro, Orsolini and Karlsson

Lazio and Fiorentina, wonderful thoughts 

Baroni with a routine win in Monza through Zaccagni (0-1): It’s the 10th victory in the last 11. Palladino overwhelms Verona (3-1 thanks to Kean (hat-trick): 6th victory in a row. Gasp doesn’t stop: Atalanta beat Udinese (2-1)

Tuttosport 

Juve and Weah attracting David 

Bianconeri signals from the Lille bomber 

The ‘like’ that was sent to the American from Juve, who celebrates the derby performance, which matches his agent’s words: ‘I knew he’d explode with Motta. And Jonathan? A 20-goal striker’ 

Meanwhile, Kean (hat-trick) boosts La Viola 

Inter penalty infuriates Conte 

McTominay-Calhanoglu: Inter-Napoli 1-1 

The Turk misses from the spot, but Antonio shouts: ‘VAR has to intervene if there’s been a mistake, always though’ 

Scudetto pile-up: Six teams within two points 

A new march for a new Toro 

Procession before the match against Monza

The Granata mobilise again, dreaming of a corporate turnover. Meanwhile: Vanoli’s outbursts in the dressing room. Somnetti, who won two derbies: ‘Toro heartless, I could have smashed up the tv’

Marco Baroni insists ‘everyone’ is important at Lazio but is confident that his team can ‘still improve.’

The Biancocelesti beat Monza 1-0 on Sunday and climbed to the spot with Atalanta, Fiorentina and Napoli, even if the Partenopei have a game in hand, this evening’s fixture at San Siro against Inter.

“I am happy because we put in an excellent performance. It’s truly tough to play seven games in 21 days. Congratulations to the players. It feels great to coach them,” Baroni told DAZN.

Baroni: ‘Lazio can still improve, everyone’s important’

Baroni has often rotated his Lazio squad, and results are impressive in all competitions as the Serie A side are also the table leader in the newly formatted Europa League.

“It’s part of my journey. I’ve always coached everyone,” said Baroni.

“Those with fewer playing time have given me the biggest satisfaction. We need everyone to be competitive on all fronts.

“We’ve done nothing yet. We are happy with the journey, and we can still improve,” he continued.

“I am satisfied with the lads called up by their national teams. Now, we’ll rest for a few days and then return to work because we’ll have important games after the break.

“The team is always ready to perform, which is the most important thing. Difficult moments will come, but with this attitude, everything will be easier.”

Mattia Zaccagni curled in a quality finish to give Lazio the victory away to Monza, continuing their extraordinary run of form in Italy and Europe.

The Aquile were brimming with confidence after winning nine of their last 10 games, sitting top of the Europa League table with Thursday’s last-gasp victory over FC Porto. Gaetano Castrovilli was the only absentee, as Nuno Tavares returned from suspension. Monza missed Stefano Sensi, Alessio Cragno and Roberto Gagliardini, but it was a special game for coach and former Lazio legend Alessandro Nesta.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

Dany Mota Carvalho pounced on a Mario Gila error in the opening three minutes only to balloon over the bar, as did Daniel Maldini on the Dany Mota pull-back from the right.

Lazio also threatened when Boulaye Dia intercepted a wayward Pedro Pereira back-pass and forced a tricky one-handed save at the near post, while the Nuno Tavares cross-shot was fingertipped over the bar.

Mattia Zaccagni’s right-foot curler from the edge of the area on a Nuno Tavares assist bounced off the base of the far post on 33 minutes, but it was only a practice run for the goal moments later.

Pedro won it back from Daniel Maldini in midfield and Matteo Guendouzi laid it off for Zaccagni’s right-foot finish bent from the same spot into the far bottom corner.

Monza fought back, the acrobatic Dany Mota bicycle kick over the bar, while Nicolò Rovella’s powerful half-volley from the edge of the area on a Lazio corner stung Stefano Turati’s gloves.

The Boulaye Dia diving header was just too short to get on the end of a Nuno Tavares cross, but Monza started to pour forward in the second half with desperate defending blocking off Dany Mota and an Armando Izzo header smothered by Ivan Provedel.

Daniel Maldini also ballooned over from 14 yards on the Dany Mota pull-back, but Monza’s pressure failed to truly trouble Ivan Provedel, the last-gasp Gianluca Caprari free kick into the wall.

Monza 0-1 Lazio

Zaccagni 36 (L)

10-11-2024 17:00

MatchDay 12

Stadio Brianteo (U-Power Stadium)

Monza

Lazio

0 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

Andrea Carboni		17'
Pedro Pereira		18'
		36'		Mattia Zaccagni (Assist: Mattéo Guendouzi)

2nd half

Alessandro Bianco		55'
Daniel Maldini		57'
		77'		Gustav Isaksen
Matteo Pessina		83'

Match statistic

51

Possession %

49

12

Total shots

14

2

Shots on target

6

7

Shots off target

7

3

Blocked shots

1

6

Corners

6

1

Offsides

0

13

Fouls

10

Monza

Lazio

Starting lineups

30

Stefano Turati

Goalkeeper

44

Andrea Carboni

Defender

55'

4

Armando Izzo

Defender

77

Georgios Kyriakopoulos

Defender

22

Pablo Marí

Defender

42

Alessandro Bianco

Midfielder

14

Daniel Maldini

Midfielder

75'

13

Pedro Pereira

Midfielder

89'

38

Warren Bondo

Midfielder

89'

47

Dany Mota

Attacker

11

Milan Djuric

Attacker

94

Ivan Provedel

Goalkeeper

77

Adam Marusic

Defender

13

Alessio Romagnoli

Defender

34

Mario Gila

Defender

30

Nuno Tavares

Defender

75'

5

Matías Vecino

Midfielder

8

Mattéo Guendouzi

Midfielder

90'

6

Nicolò Rovella

Midfielder

19

Boulaye Dia

Attacker

60'

10

Mattia Zaccagni

Attacker

75'

9

Pedro

Attacker

60'

Substitutes

24

Mirko Maric

Attacker

27

Mattia Valoti

Midfielder

5

Luca Caldirola

Defender

69

Andrea Mazza

Goalkeeper

80

Samuele Vignato

Midfielder

21

Semuel Pizzignacco

Goalkeeper

52

Nicolò Postiglione

Defender

32

Matteo Pessina

Midfielder

55'

10

Gianluca Caprari

Attacker

75'

37

Andrea Petagna

Attacker

89'

19

Samuele Birindelli

Defender

89'

29

Manuel Lazzari

Defender

55

Alessio Furlanetto

Goalkeeper

20

Loum Tchaouna

Attacker

35

Christos Mandas

Goalkeeper

Filipe Bordon

Defender

7

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru

Midfielder

18

Gustav Isaksen

Attacker

60'

11

Taty Castellanos

Attacker

60'

3

Luca Pellegrini

Defender

75'

14

Tijjani Noslin

Attacker

75'

2

Samuel Gigot

Defender

90'

Four players in Luciano Spalletti’s most recent Italy national team squad will be hoping to earn their debuts during Nations League fixtures against Belgium and France in November, including three who have earned their first ever call-ups to the senior squad. 

Here are the new faces among the Italy squad. 

Four uncapped players included in Italy squad 

Spalletti has handed first call-ups to three players in Pietro Comuzzo, Nicolo Savona and Nicolo Rovella. Caleb Okoli is also in the squad, which makes it three consecutive call-ups, but he is yet to get out on the pitch for the Nazionale. 

Comuzzo, at just 19 years of age, has been called into the squad at centre-back while Riccardo Calafiori and Matteo Gabbia sit out with injuries. 

He and Okoli will be particularly hopeful of minutes this camp, as they are two of five recognised centre-backs in a team that usually plays in a back three. There are other options for one of those roles as well, of course, such as Giovanni Di Lorenzo, while Alessandro Bastoni and Alessandro Buongiorno are practically nailed-on starters this time around. 

Savona has also been included in the senior squad for the Belgium and France games. He only earned his first U21 call-up last month after an impressive start to life in the Juventus first team. 

There is also a first inclusion for Lazio midfielder Rovella, who has played an important role in helping the Biancocelesti win nine out of their last 10 matches in all competitions. 

Italy will play against Belgium on November 14 and then at home against France in San Siro three days later on November 17.

Official: Spalletti confirms 23-man Italy squad for November fixtures

Luciano Spalletti has officially confirmed his Italy national team squad for November’s Nations League fixtures against Belgium and France, including first call-ups for Nicolo Savona, Pietro Comuzzo and Nicolo Rovella. 

Italy will play their fifth and sixth Nations League matches of the season away against Belgium on November 14 and then against France in San Siro on November 17. 

There are a few changes compared to Spalletti’s last Nations League squad back in October. Centre-backs Riccardo Calafiori and Matteo Gabbia miss out through injury, which means a return for Federico Gatti and a first senior call-up for 19-year-old Comuzzo. 

Nicolo Barella is in the squad after missing out in October while he had an operation on his nose. Nicolo Rovella is also included after Lazio’s strong start to the 2024-25 season. 

Niccolo Pisilli and Daniel Maldini, who earned their first call-ups in October, remain with the squad for the November fixtures. 

Official: Spalletti confirms latest Italy squad 

Goalkeepers: Donnarumma (PSG), Vicario (Tottenham), Meret (Napoli). 

Defenders: Bastoni (Inter), Buongiorno (Napoli), Cambiaso (Juventus), Comuzzo (Fiorentina), Di Lorenzo (Napoli), Dimarco (Inter), Gatti (Juventus), Okoli (Leicester City), Savona (Juventus), Udogie (Tottenham). 

Midfielders: Barella (Inter), Frattesi (Inter), Pisilli (Roma), Ricci (Torino), Rovella (Lazio), Tonali (Newcastle). 

Forwards: Kean (Fiorentina), Maldini (Monza), Raspadori (Napoli), Retegui (Atalanta).

𝑵𝒂𝒛𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒆

La lista dei 23 convocati del Ct Luciano #Spalletti per i due impegni in Nations League contro Belgio e Francia

https://t.co/m9hi8fRKbU#Nazionale #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/gTTxpxbfvF

— Nazionale Italiana (@Azzurri) November 8, 2024

Lazio and former Arsenal left-back Nuno Tavares has earned his first call-up to the senior Portugal national team squad after an impressive start to life in Serie A with the Biancocelesti so far in 2024-25. 

Tavares included in latest Portugal squad

Tavares is one of three Serie A players to be included in Roberto Martinez’s latest squad, alongside Milan’s Rafael Leao and Juventus’s Francisco Conceicao. Tiago Djalo, currently on loan at Porto from Juventus has also been included. 

It is a first call-up to the senior side for Nuno Tavares, who joined Lazio on loan with an option to buy in the summer. The Biancocelesti reportedly agreed to pay a €6m fee if the move is made permanent, also including a 20% sell-on clause for Arsenal. 

The 24-year-old has taken to life in Serie A with ease, providing eight assists from his first eight Serie A matches of the season. 

Portugal are due to play against Poland on November 15 and will then have another Nations League match away against Croatia on November 18. 

Os 𝗘𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗛𝗜𝗗𝗢𝗦 para alcançar o primeiro objetivo na Liga das Nações! #PartilhaAPaixão | #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/XL9WrhVCZL

— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) November 8, 2024

Serie A clubs’ results in European competitions this week pushed Italy to third place in the UEFA coefficient ranking, below Portugal and England.

Italy are close to claiming second place in the UEFA coefficient ranking after the latest round of Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League matches.

The updated ranking (via Transfermarkt) sees Serie A clubs move to third place with 8,7500 points for the ongoing 2024-25 campaign.

Italy close in on second spot in UEFA ranking for extra Champions League place

Portugal sit second with 9,200 points, while England are the current leaders with 9,428.

At the end of the season, the first two countries will get an extra spot in the 2025-26 Champions League.

Italy secured an extra Champions League place last week, finishing first in the UEFA coefficient ranking. Therefore, fifth-placed Bologna qualified for the competition for the first time in over 60 years.

Inter, Milan, Juventus, and Atalanta qualified for the Champions League via Serie A last term, although La Dea also gained access to the competition with their remarkable Europa League victory.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Inter play for the top spot with the Scudetto engine

The Napoli-breaker

The rested Barella challenges Conte (who made in a big player). Capello: ‘It will be a show’

Fonseca’s peace with Leao

Morata injured in training: Milan with Abraham

Juve between finances and derby

Losses for 199m, how to be profitable

Lazio ultra-leaders

Grat Pedro final, goodbye Porto. Roma draw and flop, Juric remains on the brink.

Mbappé

He’s always a case, the CT rules him out of Italy-France

Corriere dello Sport

Stunning Lazio, sad Roma

Romagnoli-Pedro: 2-1 to Porto and leadership with a perfect record. Juric: 1-1 with Saint-Gilloise, Fiorentina lose 2-1 in Conference

The man of the turnaround

He hasn’t met Inter as an opponent since 2014: he returns to San Siro with leaders Napoli

Conte: ten years in a night

He left his mark in two years in Milan. Nobody has forgotten him: ‘I found a disaster in Appiano.’

Red Juve: losses for 199m

Hopeful Scanavino: ‘We are in talks for a sponsor.’

Morata shock: head injury, he misses Cagliari

Tuttosport

Fila opens: ‘But Protests against Cairo continue.’

The Curva: ‘Support to the team, but even stronger protest against the club. Cairo, tough comparison with Pianelli, also for the derby: one win again 17 in 19 years of presidency.

Koopmeiners exclusive

‘Juventino for Zidane’

‘I loved Zizou as a kid, it’s a dream to be in the most important club in the world. Gasperini is intensity and order, and Motta is tactics and feelings. The goal will come sooner or later. I’ve started as a defender, if needed…’

Minority shareholders: ‘Better defence against attacks.’

Lazio have one foot in the Europa League Round of 16 after their late winner over FC Porto left them as the only team with a perfect record, but Roma are in real danger.

This is the first season with the new format of the tournament, where each team plays eight different opponents and all the results go into a single table.

The top eight go directly into the Round of 16, while those from ninth place to 24^th enter a play-off phase.

The sides from 25^th place to 36^th are eliminated from Europe altogether.

We are now at the midway stage of the tournament after four rounds and the only club with a perfect record of 12 points is Lazio.

They fought to the bitter end for a 2-1 victory over FC Porto in stoppages, giving them a two-point cushion from the chasing pack.

More importantly, they are already five points clear of the play-off zone, so have one foot in the next round.

The others who had won the opening three were Tottenham Hotspur (who lost 3-2 to Victor Osimhen’s Galatasaray today) and RSC Anderlecht (held 1-1 by RFS in Riga).

As for Roma, they will face a battle just to secure a play-off spot and avoid automatic elimination, because they are currently in 20^th place.

The Giallorossi have just one Europa League victory, 1-0 over Dynamo Kyiv, along with two stalemates and the defeat away to Elfsborg.

With just three goals scored in four games, it is not difficult to see where the problem lies for Ivan Juric’s side, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Union Saint-Gilloise in Brussels this evening.

There are some surprises, as Real Sociedad, FC Twente, Nice, PAOK and Dynamo Kyiv are all in the Europa League elimination zone.

Europa League table

Marco Baroni is proud that Lazio ‘never stopped believing’ in their chances of beating FC Porto with a last-gasp Pedro strike to top the Europa League table. ‘We want to fuel this enthusiasm.’

The Biancocelesti had taken the lead at the Stadio Olimpico through Alessio Romagnoli’s header, cancelled out by Stephen Eustaquio, but a point was not enough for them and they continued to push.

At the 92^nd minute, Pedro popped up to surprise the Porto defenders at the back post and secure a fourth consecutive victory.

“We are very happy, there is a great deal of enthusiasm and we want to fuel that with performances. This is what the team did against a very strong opponent, so I am satisfied,” Baroni told Sky Sport Italia.

“The lads deserve the credit because they never stopped believing. The substitutes came on with the right attitude, you just have to look at the tackle Luca Pellegrini went into within a minute of coming off the bench.

“This is what I like to see when I talk about this attitude, as when so many games are close together, the mind can freshen up the legs.

“I told the lads when games like this come along, how you got there matters and we had to go into it with great joy, satisfaction and ambition. I liked the mentality and also their way of understanding the different moments of the match. It is a deserved victory, certainly.”

Baroni and Lazio determined to get full points

Lazio might’ve been forgiven for being content to settle for a point against FC Porto, but Baroni was on the touchline visibly urging them to get the ball back in play as quickly as possible.

“I knew the team had to believe to the end. When I talk about mentality, character, that is all in there. This is a team that has to take a step forward rather than sit back, we were aggressive and pinned them back.”

See how the game unfolded on the Liveblog.

Pedro is now 37 years old, but he is enjoying a whole new era to his career this season, already scoring six goals and providing two assists, including three in the Europa League.

“He can play 90 minutes, he’s in great shape. His mind is focused, he has confidence and when he trains the way that he does, he doesn’t feel his age. These signs have been coming since pre-season training,” assured Baroni.

It means Lazio are now the only team with a perfect record in the Europa League after four rounds, sitting on top of the table with 12 points, followed by Ajax, Galatasaray, Eintracht Frankfurt, RSC Anderlecht and Athletic Club on 10.

They are already five points clear of the play-off places, so have almost guaranteed their automatic ticket to the Round of 16.

The opening goal was also important from a corner, with Taty Castellanos flicking it on for the Romagnoli header at the back post.

“Porto had studied us and knew that we tended to attack those spaces, so we made the most of the long ball instead,” explained Baroni.

“Taty is very good at those situations and dead ball scenarios are important to break down teams who are otherwise defensively well-organised. It is a resource that we are working on in training.”

Pedro struck deep into stoppages to maintain Lazio’s perfect start to the Europa League, beating FC Porto 2-1 with Alessio Romagnoli also on target.

The Biancocelesti were top of the Europa League table with a perfect record, but Tijjani Noslin was suspended, Patric injured and Gaetano Castrovilli ineligible. Porto held Manchester United 3-3 at Old Trafford and beat TSG Hoffenheim, with Atletico Madrid-owned striker Samu Omorodion netting 11 goals in as many games this season. However, Wendell, Ivan Jaime, Marko Grujic and Ivan Marcano didn’t make the trip.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

Samuel Gigot was booked after just four minutes for his high boot on Eustaquio, while Taty Castellanos had the ball in the net moments later, but had wandered offside.

Matias Vecino tested Diogo Costa from the edge of the box, but Porto had a huge opportunity on 34 minutes when Fabio Vieira’s curler seemed to take a slight deflection from 15 yards and bounced off the inside of the far top corner of the frame of the goal.

Porto had another big chance when the ball was flashed across the six-yard box, but Samu Omorodion was just unable to reach it for the tap-in.

Lazio broke the deadlock deep into first half stoppages when Castellanos knocked down a corner and the rather uncertain Diogo Costa could only watch as Alessio Romagnoli nodded in at the back post, where he had to compete with teammate Vecino to get the free header.

Porto continued to build the pressure after the restart and secured the equaliser when Varela burst down the left and pulled back from the by-line for Stephen Eustaquio to sweep in with the inside of the boot.

Lazio should’ve restored their advantage moments later, but Vecino steered the Pedro cross over from seven yards when he ghosted into the box.

Pedro’s pull-back from the left was just behind Gustav Isaksen and Nicolò Rovella’s follow-up was straight at the goalkeeper.

Lazio were pushing for the winner and they got it in stoppages, because Isaksen’s cross went past everyone for Pedro to ghost in at the back post, controlling with his chest and bundling in with his right foot from six yards. The crowd at the Stadio Olimpico went wild for yet another crucial Pedro goal in the Europa League.

Lazio 2-1 Porto

Romagnoli 45+5 (L), Eustaquio 66 (P), Pedro 92 (L)

07-11-2024 20:00

MatchDay 4

Stadio Olimpico

Lazio

Porto

2 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

Samuel Gigot		4'
		14'		Danny Namaso
Mattia Zaccagni		28'
		30'		Samu Omorodion
		39'		Nehuén Pérez
Alessio Romagnoli (Assist: Taty Castellanos)		45+5'
		45+1'		Tiago Djaló

2nd half

		66'		Stephen Eustáquio (Assist: Galeno)
Mattéo Guendouzi		81'
		81'		Deniz Gül
Pedro (Assist: Gustav Isaksen)		90+2'
		90+4'		Pepê

Match statistic

48

Possession %

52

11

Total shots

7

5

Shots on target

2

3

Shots off target

4

3

Blocked shots

1

6

Corners

5

1

Offsides

2

11

Fouls

16

Lazio

Porto

Starting lineups

35

Christos Mandas

Goalkeeper

77

Adam Marusic

Defender

13

Alessio Romagnoli

Defender

30

Nuno Tavares

Defender

89'

2

Samuel Gigot

Defender

66'

5

Matías Vecino

Midfielder

8

Mattéo Guendouzi

Midfielder

20

Loum Tchaouna

Attacker

67'

10

Mattia Zaccagni

Attacker

71'

9

Pedro

Attacker

11

Taty Castellanos

Attacker

67'

99

Diogo Costa

Goalkeeper

74

Francisco Moura

Defender

52

Martim Fernandes

Defender

61'

24

Nehuén Pérez

Defender

3

Tiago Djaló

Defender

22

Alan Varela

Midfielder

62'

10

Fábio Vieira

Midfielder

84'

6

Stephen Eustáquio

Midfielder

19

Danny Namaso

Attacker

62'

13

Galeno

Attacker

9

Samu Omorodion

Attacker

76'

Substitutes

29

Manuel Lazzari

Defender

55

Alessio Furlanetto

Goalkeeper

94

Ivan Provedel

Goalkeeper

7

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru

Midfielder

34

Mario Gila

Defender

66'

6

Nicolò Rovella

Midfielder

67'

19

Boulaye Dia

Attacker

67'

18

Gustav Isaksen

Attacker

71'

3

Luca Pellegrini

Defender

89'

14

Cláudio Ramos

Goalkeeper

70

Gonçalo Borges

Attacker

15

Vasco Sousa

Midfielder

21

Fran Navarro

Attacker

97

Zé Pedro

Defender

4

Otavio

Defender

86

Rodrigo Mora

Midfielder

23

João Mário

Defender

61'

16

Nico González

Midfielder

62'

11

Pepê

Attacker

62'

19

Deniz Gül

Attacker

76'

20

André Franco

Midfielder

84'

Lazio coach Marco Baroni wants to see his team play with ‘character’ against FC Porto in the Europa League this evening and hails Matteo Guendouzi’s contribution.

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 20.00 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game, Union Saint-Gilloise-Roma and APOEL-Fiorentina on the Liveblog.

The Aquile are top of the Europa League table thanks to three victories in as many rounds and a superior goal difference to Tottenham Hotspur and RSC Anderlecht.

“I told the lads that they have to step onto the pitch with character, because that is what these matches and these competitions require,” Baroni told Sky Sport Italia.

“I am confident we will not get the approach wrong tonight.”

Baroni trusts Lazio to keep run going

They have won eight of their last nine competitive matches, interrupted only by a 1-0 loss at Juventus when down to 10 men.

“I knew this job was an important chance for me, so from the first minute of the first day, I tried to experience it fully with my team.

“I tried to pass on with clarity my ideas of football, even if we are still at the beginning really, and I am seeing improvement all the time.”

Porto lost the opener 3-2 at Bodo/Glimt, then held Manchester United 3-3 at Old Trafford before a 2-0 victory over TSG Hoffenheim.

“This is going to be a difficult match for us against a quality opponent that attacks rapidly. When I talk about the performance, I said I want to see joy of facing a game like this.”

France international Guendouzi had been on the verge of leaving Lazio after his notorious clashes of personality with Igor Tudor, but has been revitalised under Baroni.

“He is the emotional leader of the squad, but also has great mobility that allows him to be present both when attacking and defending,” continued the coach.

“He has such international experience and really is enjoying his role within the team, giving a big contribution.”

Lazio aim to keep up their perfect Europa League record against Samu Omorodion’s FC Porto, as Taty Castellanos, Pedro and Mattia Zaccagni start.

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 20.00 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game, Union Saint-Gilloise-Roma and APOEL-Fiorentina on the Liveblog.

The Biancocelesti are top of the big Europa League table after winning all three games, but this might be their toughest test yet.

Squad rotation is kept to a minimum, as Castellanos leads the attack with support from Pedro, Zaccagni and Matteo Guendouzi.

Tijjani Noslin is suspended, with Gaetano Castrovilli ineligible for this competition.

Porto lost the opener 3-2 at Bodo/Glimt, then held Manchester United 3-3 at Old Trafford before a 2-0 victory over TSG Hoffenheim.

The star striker is Atletico Madrid-owned Samu Omorodion, who has 11 goals in 11 games this season, including four in just three Europa League appearances.

Marko Grujic and Ivan Marcano are long-term injury absentees, with Wendell and Ivan Jaime not making the trip either.

Former Juventus defender Tiago Djalò and ex-Udinese man Nehuen Perez both feature, along with winger Galeno.

Lazio vs. Porto line-ups

Lazio: Mandas; Marusic, Gigot, Romagnoli, Nuno Tavares; Vecino, Guendouzi; Tchaouna, Pedro, Zaccagni; Castellanos

Porto: Diogo Costa; Martim Fernandes, Djalò, Neuhen Perez, Francisco Moura; Varela, Eustaquio; Namaso, Fabio Vieira, Galeno; Samu Omorodion

Ref: Kabakov (BUL)

07-11-2024 20:00

MatchDay 4

Stadio Olimpico

Lazio

Porto

2 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

Samuel Gigot		4'
		14'		Danny Namaso
Mattia Zaccagni		28'
		30'		Samu Omorodion
		39'		Nehuén Pérez
Alessio Romagnoli (Assist: Taty Castellanos)		45+5'
		45+1'		Tiago Djaló

2nd half

		66'		Stephen Eustáquio (Assist: Galeno)
Mattéo Guendouzi		81'
		81'		Deniz Gül
Pedro (Assist: Gustav Isaksen)		90+2'
		90+4'		Pepê

Match statistic

48

Possession %

52

11

Total shots

7

5

Shots on target

2

3

Shots off target

4

3

Blocked shots

1

6

Corners

5

1

Offsides

2

11

Fouls

16

Lazio

Porto

Starting lineups

35

Christos Mandas

Goalkeeper

77

Adam Marusic

Defender

13

Alessio Romagnoli

Defender

30

Nuno Tavares

Defender

89'

2

Samuel Gigot

Defender

66'

5

Matías Vecino

Midfielder

8

Mattéo Guendouzi

Midfielder

20

Loum Tchaouna

Attacker

67'

10

Mattia Zaccagni

Attacker

71'

9

Pedro

Attacker

11

Taty Castellanos

Attacker

67'

99

Diogo Costa

Goalkeeper

74

Francisco Moura

Defender

52

Martim Fernandes

Defender

61'

24

Nehuén Pérez

Defender

3

Tiago Djaló

Defender

22

Alan Varela

Midfielder

62'

10

Fábio Vieira

Midfielder

84'

6

Stephen Eustáquio

Midfielder

19

Danny Namaso

Attacker

62'

13

Galeno

Attacker

9

Samu Omorodion

Attacker

76'

Substitutes

29

Manuel Lazzari

Defender

55

Alessio Furlanetto

Goalkeeper

94

Ivan Provedel

Goalkeeper

7

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru

Midfielder

34

Mario Gila

Defender

66'

6

Nicolò Rovella

Midfielder

67'

19

Boulaye Dia

Attacker

67'

18

Gustav Isaksen

Attacker

71'

3

Luca Pellegrini

Defender

89'

14

Cláudio Ramos

Goalkeeper

70

Gonçalo Borges

Attacker

15

Vasco Sousa

Midfielder

21

Fran Navarro

Attacker

97

Zé Pedro

Defender

4

Otavio

Defender

86

Rodrigo Mora

Midfielder

23

João Mário

Defender

61'

16

Nico González

Midfielder

62'

11

Pepê

Attacker

62'

19

Deniz Gül

Attacker

76'

20

André Franco

Midfielder

84'

Lazio and Italy midfielder Gaetano Castrovilli will be forced to have a new operation on his left knee, confirmed club medics.

The former Fiorentina man has barely set foot on the pitch since that initial devastating injury in 2022.

That was not just a normal anterior cruciate ligament lesion, as he also damaged the collateral medial ligament and the external meniscus at the same time.

Castrovilli injury nightmare

Just as he seemed ready to make a full recovery, problems were discovered during a medical test for a potential transfer to AFC Bournemouth in August 2023.

That required yet another surgical intervention that kept him out for six months, after which he ran down his Viola contract and joined Lazio as a free agent.

This latest setback would seem to be less serious, but a statement warns he will have keyhole surgery over the next few days to correct a medial meniscus issue in the left knee.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport and CittaCeleste, Castrovilli will be out for at least a month.

Lazio will look to maintain their perfect record in the Europa League when Porto visit the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday evening, as Marco Baroni looks set to name a strong Biancocelesti side featuring the returning Nuno Tavares. 

Tavares was suspended for the 2-1 victory over Cagliari in Serie A on Monday evening, but Baroni confirmed in his press conference that he will start again in the Europa League. The former Arsenal defender has eight assists from his first eight league matches this season. 

Christos Mandas has started in goal in Lazio’s last two Europa League matches and is expected to do so again this Thursday. 

Pedro could feature in the starting line-up again, while Mattia Zaccagni could be in line for his first start after the illness that kept him out of two league matches at the end of October. 

Porto’s Samu Omorodion is the leading goalscorer in the Europa League with four from his first three outings this season, and he is expected to lead the line for Vitor Bruno’s side in the capital this evening. 

Kick-off is due at 20.00 GMT.

Lazio vs Porto: Probable line-ups 

Lazio (4-2-3-1): Mandas; Marusic, Gigot, Romagnoli, Nuno Tavares; Vecino, Guendouzi; Tchaouna, Pedro, Zaccagni; Castellanos.

Porto (4-2-3-1): Diogo Costa; Martim, Djalò, Perez, Moura; Varela, Gonzalez; Pepe, Vieira, Galeno; Omorodion.

Where to watch Lazio vs Porto 

Thursday’s game will be available to view live in the UK on TNT Sports 5 and online via Discovery+. Supporters in the USA will be able to watch via Paramount+. 

Join us on the Football Italia LIVEBLOG for the pre-match build-up, in-game coverage and post match reactions as they come in. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Champions League: The Italians party in Europe 

Iron Inter 

Calhanoglu penalty and great defence in the victory against Arsenal, now the round of 16 is getting closer, and Sunday it’s Napoli

Atalanta can dream 

What an impression from Atalanta in Stuttgart

Lookman and Zaniolo goals: Gasp flying 

Reijnders, Milan’s treasure 

He’s become the new Rossoneri leader

His value has already tripled: Already thinking about the renewal 

Rijkaard crowns him: ‘He’s one of the best in the world’ 

Europa League, Juric reshuffles, Lazio play poker and look to close their accounts 

Conference League: Fiorentina in Cyprus against APOEL tonight at 20.00

Corriere dello Sport

Inter pass-by 

They also beat Arsenal (1-0) and start to look at the round of 16 

A Calha kiss, Inzaghi up to 10 points

Third victory in a row in Europe: -2 from Liverpool at the top. Hakan decisive: 19 goals from 19 penalties

Lookman and Zaniolo: Gasperini beats Stuttgart 2-0 

Motta and Giuntoli move for David 

Juve on the Lille striker 

Thiago spoke to him after the game. The sporting director has offered €7m commission to his agent and offered a contract of €5m to get him for zero in the summer

Gravina: ‘It’s a revolution with or without me’ 

Juric, there’s also a taboo

They haven’t won away from home in seven months. The coach: ‘I feel the Friedkins’ trust’. Laizo at the Olimpico against Porto: There’s room for Pecro. Fiorentina in Cyprus agains APOEL in the Conference  

Tuttosport 

Vlahovic and David, big dreams 

Nine goals already for the Serbian: Levelled Tevez and aims for Ronaldo. ‘Its only the start’. Motta is responsible technically and mentally.Giuntoli battles Premier League interest in the American from Lille. Meanwhile, Zirkzee break from Manchester United in January: Juve are ready 

Inter from the penalty spot, Zaniolo also on the up for Atalanta 

Calhanoglu puts Inzaghi into the group of the moments. Bisseck stops everything from the English siege. Magic moments continued with La Dea, started off by Lookman. They’re the only two teams not to concede in the Champions League

Barca handful, Atletico blitz: PSG now a big risk 

Juric plays for Roma, Lazio and Viola aim to fly 

‘Red Bull? There’s a desire for something more’ 

Asta, the words of the former Torino captain

Marco Baroni is aware that Lazio will have to be at their best if they are to beat Porto in the Europa League on Thursday evening, but isn’t best pleased about the fixture schedule as the Biancocelesti are due to play the sixth game of their run of seven matches in 21 days. 

Lazio will host Porto at the Stadio Olimpico in the third round of Europa League fixtures on Thursday evening, kicking off at 20.00 GMT. 

Baroni’s side are enjoying a strong run of form as they have won eight of their last nine matches in all competitions and are currently leading the Europa League standings with a maximum of nine points after three games. 

Tottenham and Anderlecht are the only other sides in the competition with a perfect record still in-tact. 

Baroni expects Lazio changes after busy fixture schedule 

Baroni explained to journalists at his pre-match press conference that he might have to make a few rotations to his side for the visit from Porto. 

“We will try to field a team that is doing okay in terms of energy after the last few matches,” he said. 

“Aside from this logic, we will play an important, difficult, but beautiful game. We’ll play against a team of a great, international level, it’s a real test for us and we have to put in a top level performance. 

“We are aware that we need to experience games like these against big opponents. These are the games that help you grow. We are aware that we’ll need a top-level performances and won’t be able to make any mistakes on the pitch at this sort of level.”

Baroni wasn’t able to provide much of an answer when asked about the differences between Porto under their current coach Vitor Bruno and his predecessor Sergio Conceicao. 

“We have such little time to prepare for the games, we’ve only had two days to analyse this team. They use their wingers well, they pass short, but know how to go vertically as well. They push a lot with their full-backs, like we do. It will certainly be an interesting game, very open.” 

Baroni was also asked if he plans to hand another opportunity to Christos Mandas in goal, or whether the first-choice Ivan Provedel will get a run-out in Europe. 

“I’ve already shared my thoughts on the goalkeepers. Ivan is our starter, but I like to give everyone a chance when the conditions are right. Everyone should be allowed to grow, and there’s not a lot of space to do so in that position. It would not be a change in hierarchy, but an opportunity for Mandas to grow if he does play.” 

Baroni also criticised the fact that Lazio have had to play seven matches across a seven day period between October 19 and this Sunday, November 10. 

“I have to make some evaluations on the line-up. We have a couple of issues having had so many games in such a short time. The next two games will make it seven games in 21 days. My resources, as well as those of the coaching and medical staff have to be aimed at managing these issues.”

Four Italy centre-forwards, plus wingers Riccardo Orsolini and Mattia Zaccagni, got their names on the scoresheet in the latest Serie A round, resulting in the best Azzurri performers.

Atalanta striker Mateo Retegui consolidated his top spot in the Serie A top scorer rankings by scoring La Dea’s third goal in a massive win over table leaders Napoli at the Stadio Maradona.

Retegui now has 11 goals in 11 league games this term.

Best performing Italy players in Serie A Round 11: Strikers take centre stage

His average player rating from Italian sports papers was 7/10, as much as other Italian scorers last weekend: Pietro Pellegri (Empoli), Moise Kean (Fiorentina) and Andrea Pinamonti (Genoa).

Two attacking players, although wingers, like Orsolini (Bologna) and Zaccagni (Lazio), also scored a goal each and received the same rating from sports papers in the Peninsula.

The other standout performers were Mattia Viti, Pellegri’s Empoli teammate, Federico Dimarco of Inter, and Andrea Cambiaso and Nicolò Savona of Juventus. The latter scored his second Serie A goal against Udinese on Saturday.

Italy coach Luciano Spalletti has undoubtedly noted positive performances from Azzurri players as he prepares to release his squad for Nations League games against France and Belgium later this week.

Below are the best-performing Serie A players from Serie A Round 11

Atalanta

Carnesecchi, Zappacosta, Bellanova, Ruggeri 6.5

Retegui 7

Bologna

Orsolini 7

Cagliari

Luperto 6.5

Empoli

De Sciglio, Pezzella 6.5

Pellegri, Viti 7

Fiorentina

Ranieri, Comuzzo, Mandragora, Bove 6.5

Kean 7

Genoa

Leali 6.5

Pinamonti 7

Inter

Bastoni 6.5

Dimarco 7

Juventus

Gatti, Locatelli 6.5

Cambiaso, Savona 7

Lazio

Romagnoli, Pellegrini, Rovella 6.5

Zaccagni 7

Lecce

Falcone 6.5

Monza

Turati 6.5

Parma

Delprato 6.5

Udinese

Lucca 6.5

Verona

Montipò, Magnani, Coppola 6.5