Analysing Borussia Dortmund’s UEFA Champions League group stage opponents
By Tushar Bahl
SS Lazio
Italian side Lazio are finally back in the UEFA Champions League after a 13-year absence. They were one of the biggest surprise packages in the Serie A last season, and were in contention to win the Scudetto, before injuries to key players saw them falter post-lockdown.
Lazio are led by former Borussia Dortmund striker Ciro Immobile, who has turned into a goal machine since leaving the Westfalenstadion. The 30 year old scored 36 goals in the Serie A last season, winning the European Golden Shoe award. They also have one of Europe’s most talented box to box midfielders in Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who has a knack for finding his way into the box and scoring important goals for his side.
Head coach Simone Inzaghi likes to play with a 3-5-2 formation, much like Borussia Dortmund. Lazio often play the ball out from the back, with their direct wing-backs providing pinpoint crosses for Immobile and strike partner Joaquin Correa. With two dynamic midfielders in Milinkovic-Savic and Luis Alberto, Lazio also have the ability to progress the ball forward from central areas very quickly. And their attack minded approach helped the Eagles score 79 goals in the league last season.
Lazio were able to keep hold of their star players this summer, and have bolstered their squad with the signings of Vedat Muriqi, Andreas Pereira and Mohamed Fares.
Much like Zenit, Lazio also have a poor recent record in Europe. But if their forwards are on form, they will certainly fancy their chances of finishing in the top two spots.