Expect Gattuso to stick with his 4-3-3, but it's a forced hand. With Romagnoli, Isaksen, Cataldi, Tavares, Patric, Gigot, and Furlanetto all sidelined, the back four writes itself: Marušić and Pedraza as full-backs, Doekhi and Provstgaard as the centre-back pairing. Mandas starts in goal — that's the spine. The midfield trio of Frattesi, Rovella, and Taylor is actually a strength: Rovella screens, Frattesi bursts forward, Taylor adds legs. Up top, Zaccagni is the creative spark, and Boulaye Dia is the focal point. This is a side that will press high, look to win the ball in Genoa's half, and knife through the lines with Frattesi's late runs.

Genoa, under Allegri, will likely mirror the 4-3-3 but with a far more cautious brief. They're in a defensive emergency — an unprecedented centre-back pairing, forced by injuries. Allegri will park the bus, sit deep, and try to hit on the break. But this is a team that conceded ten to Bournemouth in pre-season; their defensive organisation is suspect. The midfield battle is key: Lazio's trio vs Genoa's three, and we fancy Rovella to dominate the dogfight. Set pieces? Lazio have the height with Doekhi and Provstgaard; Genoa will be terrified of every corner. The game state is clear: Lazio on the front foot, Genoa absorbing pressure and hoping for a miracle.