SS Lazio vs Genoa CFC

Lazio host Genoa at the Stadio Olimpico on 30 August, each side looking for an early lift in just their second league game. Lazio finished 9th last season, Genoa a nervy 16th, so this early fixture matters for setting tone rather than table position. Lazio's summer has been unsettled: Gennaro Gattuso replaced Maurizio Sarri, and a long transfer embargo forced the sale of Taty Castellanos and Matteo Guendouzi in January. A shock Coppa Italia exit to lower-league Mantova added to the unease, though Mattia Zaccagni and Boulaye Dia still lead the attack. Genoa's preseason under Daniele De Rossi was similarly mixed, with wins over Leicester and Trento offset by a heavy defeat to Bournemouth, and Vitinha and Lorenzo Colombo their main creative threats. History favours Lazio, unbeaten in five straight meetings without conceding. Our prediction: 2-1