Lazio vs Mantova | Coppa Italia | Where to Watch, Insights, Lineups & Prediction

On Sunday, August 16, Lazio will host Mantova in the first-round Coppa Italia match at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. The game is scheduled to start at 21:15 local time. To learn how to watch this match in your country, consult this list of international TV listings.

Lazio, currently in ninth place in Serie A, enters the competition after a disappointing previous season. Gennaro Gattuso, who previously had a perfect record in pre-season friendlies, will manage the team. Meanwhile, Mantova, who finished 11th in Serie B last season, aims to climb towards the play-off spots. In their recent friendlies, Mantova defeated Legnano Salus 3-1 and lost 0-1 to Carpi.

Historically, Lazio and Mantova have encountered each other eight times across all competitions, with the Aquile winning five of those matches. Their last meeting in a competitive fixture took place in March 1969, ending in a 1-1 draw.

The expected starting lineups for the match are as follows: Lazio will use a 4-3-3 formation with Mandas in goal, Marusic, Doekhi, Provstgaard, and Pedraza in defense, Dele-Bashiru, Rovella, Taylor, Noslin, and Dia in midfield, and Zaccagni up front. Mantova, on the other hand, will employ a 3-4-2-1 formation with Bardi in goal, Meroni, Cella, and Castellini in defense, Cajazzo, Trimboli, Ignacchitti, Benaissa in midfield, and Ilie, Ruocco, and Mancuso in attack.

Based on predictions, Lazio are expected to win the match with a score of 3-1 against Mantova. Despite the potential boost from an anti-Lotito fan protest, Mantova may have a larger crowd in attendance. However, Lazio's talent and Gattuso's management skills should secure a convincing victory, allowing them to progress to the next round.