Venezia are expected to line up in a 3-5-2: Stankovic in goal, a back three of Schingtienne, Moreno and Juan Jesus, with Hainaut and Haps as the wing-backs. Kike Perez, Basic and Sohm form the midfield trio, with Yeboah and Adams up top. That shape is designed to be compact and spring counter-attacks, but the wing-backs will be pinned back by Lazio's wide threat. The back three has looked brittle, especially late in games, and Juan Jesus is not a long-term answer against pace.

Lazio are predicted in a 4-3-3: Mandas between the sticks, Floriani Mussolini, Sutalo, Provstgaard and Tavares across the back, with Frattesi in midfield. Gattuso has been short of options in the middle but now possesses healthy depth in attack, so a second-half substitute could be the difference. The front three will look to isolate Venezia's wing-backs and attack the half-spaces. Zaccagni's creativity and Dia's goals are the obvious weapons, and against a back three that drops deep, Lazio's wide overloads will create chances.

The midfield dogfight will be key. Venezia's trio of Kike Perez, Basic and Sohm will try to disrupt Lazio's rhythm, but Frattesi's box-to-box running can knife through the lines. If Lazio can get their full-backs high and pin Venezia's wing-backs, the home side will be camped in their own half. Set-pieces are another avenue: Lazio have the height and delivery to punish a Venezia side that has conceded from dead balls already this season.