Lazio Host Genoa in Crucial Serie A Clash Amid Squad Turmoil
ROME, 30 January 2026 – Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio prepare to welcome Genoa to the Stadio Olimpico this evening in a Serie A fixture overshadowed by significant squad disruptions for the hosts. With European qualification hopes fading, Lazio must navigate the absence of key attacker Mattia Zaccagni and the self-imposed exile of defender Alessio Romagnoli, while handing a debut to new signing Daniel Maldini.
Team News: Injuries and Debuts Dominate Build-up
The final training session before the match dealt Lazio a significant blow, with winger Mattia Zaccagni suffering a muscle problem affecting his oblique abdominal muscle. While he will be on the bench, he is ruled out of the starting lineup. In more contentious news, centre-back Alessio Romagnoli, who is pushing for a transfer to Qatari side Al-Sadd, has refused to train and was omitted from the squad entirely. Midfielder Nicolo Rovella, returning from a long-term muscular issue, could be an option from the bench but is not yet deemed fully fit. Samuel Gigot and Patric remain sidelined through injury.
On a positive note, January acquisition Daniel Maldini, son of club legend Paolo, is set to make his debut for the Biancocelesti. For the visitors, Genoa will be without new signing Tommaso Baldanzi due to a thigh injury, while defender Leo Ostigard serves a suspension.
Key Facts & Form Guide
| Statistic | Detail |
|---|---|
| League Positions | Lazio: 9th | Genoa: 13th (Separated by 6 points) |
| Recent H2H Dominance | Lazio have won the last 3 meetings by two or more goals. |
| Lazio Home Form | Currently winless in their last several home matches. |
| Genoa’s 2026 Form | Remain unbeaten since the turn of the year. |
| Genoa Defence | Both teams have scored in 64% of Genoa’s matches this campaign. |
Tactical Outlook and Prediction
This match pits one of Serie A’s most solid defences (Lazio) against one of the leakiest (Genoa), yet recent form contradicts the standings. Lazio’s historical dominance in this fixture—including winning both halves in five of the last ten encounters—will provide psychological comfort. However, their dip in home form, combined with the absence of creative spark Zaccagni and defensive instability due to Romagnoli’s situation, presents a major challenge. Genoa, unbeaten in 2026, will sense an opportunity to exploit Lazio’s off-pitch distractions. Analysts suggest a tight affair, with a 1-0 Lazio victory considered the most probable scoreline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Mattia Zaccagni not starting for Lazio?
Zaccagni sustained a muscular injury to his oblique abdominal muscle during the final training session before the match. While not seriously injured, he is only fit enough for a place on the substitutes’ bench.
Is Daniel Maldini making his Lazio debut?
Yes. The attacking midfielder, signed in the January transfer window, is included in the official starting lineup and will make his first appearance for the club against Genoa.
Where can I find the Serie A table?
The latest Serie A standings are available on major sports websites like BBC Sport, Sky Sports, and SofaScore. Ahead of this match, Lazio sit 9th with 29 points, while Genoa are 13th with 23 points.