Juventus Turin vs Lazio Rome 18 October 2026 Prediction

Juventus has a perfect record in the Europa League but remains off the pace in Serie A. Lazio sits second in the league, though it has not won at Allianz Stadium since 2017. It has lost eight of its last 10 games there.

Juventus's Finishing Issues

Luciano Spalletti has improved Juventus's attack in settled possession. Even without the injured Manuel Locatelli, Juventus has controlled most games and created more chances than its opponents. Its finishing has been less reliable. Juventus has not been outperformed on expected goals (xG) in any competitive match in 2026/27, yet it has dropped points in half its Serie A games and won only once in its last four league matches.

Injuries have also limited the squad. Along with Locatelli, Kenan Yildiz and Khephren Thuram are sidelined long-term, leaving Spalletti with fewer options to rotate during a busy schedule. Randal Kolo Muani, however, has scored in each of the last two games after a goalless start to the season. He equalized in a 1-1 Serie A draw with Cagliari and scored the winner in a 2-1 Europa League victory over Celta Vigo.

Lazio's Improvement Under Gattuso

Unlike Juventus, Lazio has no European matches this season and can prepare on a regular weekly schedule. It travels to Turin after a full recovery period and a 3-1 Serie A win over Monza. Gennaro Gattuso's high-intensity approach combines aggressive pressing, positional rotations and quick ball progression. Lazio entered Matchday 7 with 16 points from a possible 18, behind defending champion Inter only on tiebreakers.

Lazio's wide players give it pace in attack. Gustav Isaksen makes runs down the right and cuts into the box, while Tavares advances on the left to deliver crosses and low balls across the area. Lazio also has injuries to manage. Nicolo Rovella and Adam Marusic remain out, weakening its defensive options. Albert Gudmundsson, who scored the winner in a 2-1 victory over Udinese, is unavailable in attack.

Juventus vs Lazio Predicted Lineup

Juventus (3-4-2-1): Vicario; Kalulu, Bremer, Lucumí; McKennie, Sarr, D. Luiz, Çelik; Zhegrova, N. González; Kolo Muani

Out: Locatelli, Yildiz, Ekhator, Thuram, Grabara, Owusu (all injured)

Manager: Luciano Spalletti

Lazio (4-3-3): Mandas; Floriani, Šutalo, Provstgaard, Tavares; Taylor, Belahyane, Frattesi; Isaksen, Noslin, Zaccagni

Out: Marusic, Rovella, Cancellieri, Gudmundsson (all injured). Przyborek is doubtful.

Manager: Gennaro Gattuso

Juventus vs Lazio Prediction: Lazio or Draw at 2.31

Main prediction: Juventus's performances suggest it could have more points, but Lazio is worth considering at this price. Gattuso's side is unbeaten in Serie A and has posted a higher xG total than four of its last five opponents, including Ruben Amorim's AC Milan. Juventus has often controlled games without turning that advantage into wins. With just one victory in its last four league matches, the pick is Lazio or draw at 2.31.

Goals prediction: Both teams create chances but have defensive issues. Both teams have scored in three of Lazio's last four Serie A games and in three of Juventus's last four. The additional pick is both teams to score: Yes at 1.93.