Ajax vs Lazio

Johan Cruijff Arena sets the stage for a blockbuster UEFA Europa League showdown between Ajax and Lazio.

Ajax’s form trajectory has taken a downward turn toward the end of the calendar year, with the Lancers only winning once in their last four competitive games (D1, L2). That disheartening run commenced with a 2-0 defeat at Real Sociedad in this competition, derailing their chances of securing a coveted top-eight finish. However, Francesco Farioli’s men can draw confidence from a four-game unbeaten Europa League streak beforehand (W3, D1) and an intimidating home form, featuring eight wins from their last nine competitive outings in Amsterdam (D1). When winning, Farioli’s charges tend to score in abundance, as witnessed by a resounding average of 3.11 goals per game during that ten-game sequence. It’s equally significant to note that they’ve yet to concede inside the opening 60 minutes of play in the ongoing Europa League season.

As for Lazio, they toppled Serie A title hopefuls Napoli in back-to-back meetings last week, crashing them out of the Coppa Italia (3-1) and dethroning them in the league table (1-0) to lift their spirits ahead of this trip. Marco Baroni’s lads have gone from strength to strength in the Europa League this term, racking up four triumphs across the first five matchdays (D1) to put themselves in pole position to lock down automatic knockout qualification. However, their continental credentials will be on the line on Dutch soil, especially given their historical struggles against Eredivisie opposition (W5, D2, L6). Optimism stems from consecutive away wins in the Europa League for the first time since 2017, one of which came in this country against Twente (2-0).