Stroppa is expected to set up Venezia in a 3-5-2, with Stankovic in goal, a back three of Schingtienne, Moreno, and Juan Jesus, and Hainaut and Haps as wing-backs. Kike Perez, Basic, and Sohm will form the midfield trio, with Yeboah and Adams up top. That shape is designed to be compact and hit on the break, but Venezia's execution has been poor. The wing-backs push high, leaving gaps behind, and the back three has struggled with through balls and crosses. Lazio, under Gattuso, will likely line up in a 4-3-3, with Mandas in goal, Floriani Mussolini and Tavares as full-backs, Sutalo and Provstgaard in central defence, and Frattesi anchoring the midfield. The front three will look to isolate Venezia's wide centre-backs and attack the space behind the wing-backs.

The key battle will be in midfield. Venezia's trio lacks the dynamism to cope with Lazio's rotations, especially if Frattesi pushes forward. Gattuso's side will look to dominate possession and pin Venezia back, using the width of the full-backs to stretch the 3-5-2. Venezia's only hope is to sit deep and counter, but their finishing has been wayward. Set-pieces could be a threat for Lazio, with Sutalo and Provstgaard aerial threats. Venezia's defence has been vulnerable from dead balls, and that's a clear avenue for the visitors.