Lazio vs Feyenoord

Lazio and Feyenoord are set to trade tackles at the Stadio Olimpico in a tasty-looking Europa League Group F opener.

Perennial Europa League campaigners Lazio are bracing themselves for their 78th match in the competition, with only Villarreal (88) playing more since the tournament’s rebrand. Considered the leading candidates to progress from Group F, ‘I Biancocelesti’ have reached the Europa League knock-outs in seven of their previous nine appearances in the competition. But a 2-1 home defeat to fellow Serie A rivals Napoli at the weekend might have derailed Lazio’s spirits after arresting their four-match unbeaten start to the new domestic season (W2, D2). Seeking domestic respite after only winning one of their last four league fixtures (D2, L1), Maurizio Sarri’s men will be out to rediscover their mojo. However, since they drew three of their four Europa League home outings in 2021/22 (W1), they can ill-afford to take anything for granted.

Meanwhile, Feyenoord will be on a revenge mission after the other Stadio Olimpico tenants Roma denied them the chance to lift their first European title since 2002 in last season’s Europa Conference League final. Arne Slot’s men seem unfazed by that showpiece let-down, winning four of their opening five Eredivisie fixtures this term (D1) while scoring 4+ goals on three occasions. Motivation won’t be lacking in the visiting camp as they’ve progressed from the Europa League group stages just once in four appearances since 2009/10. Feyenoord’s underwhelming record in Europe’s second-tier competition is partly due to their travelling woes, as they’ve only won once in their last 12 Europa League away games (D3, L8).