Twente Vs Lazio

In a bid to disrupt the strong start of Europa League leaders Lazio, winless FC Twente is set to host the Italian side at De Grolsch Veste this Thursday evening. The Tukkers have struggled in their opening fixtures, managing only two points from their first two matches. In contrast, Lazio has excelled, securing the top position in their group with consecutive victories.

Match Preview

FC Twente’s forward Sem Steijn prepares for the showdown on September 25, 2024.
© Imago

Despite their winless run, FC Twente’s performances in the Europa League have shown resilience. Both of their matches have ended in draws, with a 1-1 scoreline in each case. Given the quality of their opponents, including a well-fought draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford, the Tukkers have reason to remain optimistic about their campaign.

In their opener, Twente managed to hold the Red Devils to a stalemate, showcasing their defensive capabilities. In their subsequent match, they played to another 1-1 draw at home against Turkish side Fenerbahce. However, this streak means that FC Twente has now gone nine Europa League matches without a victory, a statistic that weighs heavily on the team as they prepare to face Lazio.

Since their near victory against Fenerbahce, FC Twente has faced challenges in the Eredivisie as well, suffering a defeat against Feyenoord and managing a draw against RKC Waalwijk. Currently, they sit sixth in the league standings. A highlight for Twente came when Carel Eiting scored a last-minute equalizer in their latest match, extending their impressive streak of scoring in 21 consecutive games across all competitions. This remarkable run stretches back to March and indicates the team’s persistent attacking threat.

Historically, FC Twente has faced Italian teams with mixed results, but they will look to create a new narrative this week. This matchup marks their first encounter with Italian opposition in either the Europa League or its predecessor since their notable triumph over Juventus in the semifinals of the 1975 UEFA Cup. In that memorable campaign, Twente won both legs but ultimately fell short against Borussia Monchengladbach in the final.

Lazio’s Impressive Start

Lazio, on the other hand, has been in stellar form, having kicked off their Europa League journey with a resounding victory over Dynamo Kyiv. Following this strong opener, they continued their winning ways by defeating Nice 4-1 at the Stadio Olimpico earlier this month. Their top scorer, Taty Castellanos, has been pivotal to their success, netting two goals in the recent match against Nice, helping propel the Biancocelesti to the top of their group with a perfect six points from two matches.

With ambitions to secure a top-eight finish in the tournament, which would guarantee automatic qualification for the last 16, Lazio has started their campaign flawlessly. Under the guidance of coach Marco Baroni, the squad is eager to maintain their winning streak and extend their dominance in the group stage.

Historically, Lazio has only managed to win their first three European matches of a season on two previous occasions. However, their high-scoring start, where they have registered more goals than any other team in the tournament—totaling seven—suggests they could achieve this feat again this week. Remarkably, only Elfsborg, who recently triumphed over their fierce rivals Roma, boasts a better shot conversion rate.

Recent Form and Challenges

Before their recent defeat to Juventus, Lazio enjoyed a period of strong performances, securing maximum points from four consecutive matches across Serie A and the Europa League. This run represents their best form since the beginning of the year and highlighted their potential to challenge for silverware this season.

However, while Lazio’s record at home is impressive, their performances on the road have been less convincing. Following the 1-0 setback in Turin against Juventus, they have averaged less than one point per league game when playing away from the Stadio Olimpico. This inconsistency could pose a challenge as they head into a potentially tricky encounter against FC Twente, who will be eager to capitalize on any vulnerabilities.

Tactical Considerations

For FC Twente, their strategy against Lazio will likely revolve around solidifying their defense while looking to exploit any gaps in the Italian side's backline. The Tukkers’ ability to maintain composure in high-pressure situations, as demonstrated in their draws against formidable opponents, will be crucial. Manager Joseph Oosting will need to emphasize the importance of not only defending well but also taking their chances when they arise.

The combination of Twente’s attacking prowess, highlighted by their streak of games scoring, and Lazio’s defensive vulnerabilities on the road creates an intriguing tactical matchup. The Tukkers will aim to apply pressure early in the match, hoping to unsettle their opponents and create goal-scoring opportunities.

Lazio’s Approach

Lazio, on the other hand, will look to continue their free-scoring ways. With Taty Castellanos leading the attack, the Biancocelesti will seek to impose their style of play from the outset. Their ability to control possession and transition quickly into attacking phases has been a hallmark of their recent success, and they will look to replicate that against FC Twente.

Marco Baroni’s side may also benefit from their experience in high-stakes matches, having navigated similar pressures in Serie A and European competition. The key for Lazio will be to balance their attacking instincts with a disciplined defensive approach, especially given their mixed results away from home.

Historical Context

This match also carries historical significance for both clubs. FC Twente's previous encounters with Italian teams in Europe, particularly their successful campaign against Juventus in the 1975 UEFA Cup, provide a sense of pride and motivation. For Lazio, maintaining their reputation as one of Italy’s top clubs hinges on their performance in international competitions.

As the match approaches, both teams will be aware of the stakes involved. A victory for FC Twente would not only boost their morale but also keep their hopes alive in the group stage, while a win for Lazio would solidify their position as early favorites to advance to the knockout stages.

Conclusion

As FC Twente prepares to host Lazio at De Grolsch Veste, the anticipation builds for what promises to be an exciting clash between two sides with contrasting fortunes. FC Twente seeks their first victory in the competition, while Lazio aims to maintain their perfect record and continue their quest for European glory.

With both teams possessing their unique strengths and challenges, this encounter is set to be a thrilling spectacle in the Europa League, captivating fans and shaping the future of their campaigns. Football fans around the world will undoubtedly be watching closely as these two sides battle it out on the European stage.