There’s no denying that Stefano Pioli has done a sterling job at Lazio since taking over the helm last summer. Heading into the final two games of the season, the former Bologna boss has steered them up to third place and Champions League contention on 66 points, just one behind Roma, with the Biancocelesti currently boasting the third-best attack (66 goals scored) and third-best defense (34 allowed).

A look down the Lega Calcio statistics shows Lazio rank among the top sides in the ‘shots on target’ and ‘percentage of attacking plays’ categories. It comes as no surprise then that two of their players have reached double figures: Miroslav Klose (12) and Felipe Anderson (10).

Another threat to Rudi Garcia’s backline is without doubt Antonio Candreva. Not only has he weighed in with nine goals of his own this term, he’s also contributed eight assists to the cause (the same number as Miralem Pjanic) as well as 111 shots on goal. The Giallorossi will have to be alert to the Italy man’s through balls and long shots.

The Lazio players who have logged the most minutes in 2014-15 are goalkeeper Marchetti, defenders De Vrij, Braafheid, Radu, Cana, Mauricio and Cavanda, midfielders Mauri, Felipe Anderson, Basta, Parolo, Lulic, Biglia and Candreva, and strikers Djordjevic and Klose.

Pioli’s preferred formation is 4-3-3.