The race for the Champions League spots reaches a boiling point this Sunday, February 8, 2026, as Juventus welcomes Lazio to the Allianz Stadium. This Matchday 24 fixture features a fascinating tactical duel between two of Italy's most storied managers: Luciano Spalletti and the returning Maurizio Sarri.
Match Details
Fixture: Juventus vs. SS Lazio
Competition: Serie A (Matchday 24)
Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026
Time: 20:45 CET / 19:45 GMT
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Turin
Referee: TBD
Pre-Match Analysis
Juventus: The Spalletti Revolution
Since Luciano Spalletti took the reins in October 2025, the "Old Lady" has been transformed. Currently sitting in 4th place (45 points), Juventus is the most in-form team in Italy, trailing leaders Inter by 10 points but rapidly closing on the top three. They arrive on the back of a clinical 4-1 demolition of Parma, where Bremer's aerial dominance and Jonathan David's movement proved too much to handle.
Spalletti has implemented a high-octane, pressing system that has seen Juve score 15 goals in their last five outings while conceding just twice. With Kenan Yıldız emerging as a world-class creative force and winter arrival Jonathan David finding his scoring boots, the Bianconeri look like genuine title contenders for next season, if not a dark horse for this one.
Lazio: Sarri's Return to Turin
Maurizio Sarri’s return to Lazio in June 2025 has brought back the familiar "Sarriball" rhythms, but the results have been mixed. Sitting in 8th place (35 points), the Aquile are struggling for consistency. While they secured a vital 3-2 win over Genoa last week, they have looked vulnerable against top-tier opposition, notably losing to Como recently.
Sarri faces a sentimental trip to Turin, where he previously won a Scudetto, but his current squad is stretched thin. The winter departures of Matteo Guendouzi and Taty Castellanos have left the midfield and attack looking lean, and Sarri must rely on the veteran savvy of Pedro and the spark of Mattia Zaccagni (if fit) to breach Juve's wall.
Team News & Injury Reports
Juventus Team News
Out: Kenan Yıldız is a significant doubt with a late injury scare. Dusan Vlahović and Arkadiusz Milik remain sidelined, leaving the striking duties to David.
In Form: Bremer is coming off a two-goal performance against Parma and will lead the defense alongside Lloyd Kelly.
Player to Watch: Jonathan David. The January signing has adapted instantly to Spalletti’s demands and will be the focal point of the attack.
Lazio Team News
The visitors are facing a major injury and suspension crisis:
Out (Suspended): Luca Pellegrini is banned for the clash against his former club.
Out (Injury): Captain Mattia Zaccagni, Patric, and Samuel Gigot are confirmed absentees.
Doubtful: Manuel Lazzari, Boulaye Dia, and Alessio Romagnoli missed training this week with muscle issues and are game-time decisions.
Player to Watch: Ivan Provedel. Expect the Lazio keeper to be the busiest man on the pitch as he attempts to withstand the Juve barrage.
Predicted Starting Lineups
Juventus (4-2-3-1):
Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Lloyd Kelly, Cambiaso; Locatelli, Khéphren Thuram; Francisco Conceição, McKennie, Kostic; Jonathan David
Lazio (4-3-3):
Provedel; Marusic, Gila, Provstgaard, Nuno Tavares; Kenneth Taylor, Cataldi, Toma Basic; Isaksen, Daniel Maldini, Pedro.
Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats
Reverse Fixture: Lazio managed a 1-0 victory over Juventus in October 2025, a result that ultimately led to the sacking of Igor Tudor
Historical Edge: Juventus has won 5 of the last 10 encounters (4 Lazio wins, 1 draw).
The "Clean Sheet" Stat: Juventus has kept three clean sheets in their last five matches.
Lazio's Road Woes: The Aquile have struggled significantly away from Rome, frequently conceding early in the first half.
Prediction: Juventus 3–1 Lazio
Juventus is playing with an intensity and tactical clarity that Lazio currently lacks. Given the massive injury list for the visitors—particularly in defense—and Spalletti's aggressive home approach, it is difficult to see anything other than a Bianconeri victory. While Sarri’s teams are always capable of scoring, Juve's momentum should carry them to a comfortable win.
Top Betting Tips:
Match Result: Juventus Win. Their home form under Spalletti has been dominant.
Over 2.5 Goals. Both teams have shown a high frequency of goals in recent weeks.
To Score Anytime: Jonathan David. The striker is thrive in this system and will face a makeshift Lazio backline.
