Their knockout place confirmed with two rounds remaining, Europa League leaders Lazio welcome fellow top-eight contenders Real Sociedad to Stadio Olimpico on Thursday.
Still unbeaten, the Biancocelesti top the table on goal difference, while their Spanish counterparts are just one point shy of the automatic qualifying places.
Match preview
© Imago
Although Lazio's 0-0 home draw with Ludogorets ended a 100% record in the league phase after four straight wins, the Rome club bounced straight back by beating Ajax last time out.
Having signed off their continental commitments for 2024 with an impressive 3-1 victory in Amsterdam, they top the standings on 16 points, having been joined on that mark by Real Sociedad's Basque rivals Athletic Bilbao.
The Biancocelesti are very much on track for automatic entry to the last 16, and at least a spot in the playoffs has already been secured.
In addition to their European exploits, Marco Baroni's men had been on the fringes of Scudetto contention until going winless in three straight league games for the first time this season - including a painful Derby della Capitale defeat to city rivals Roma.
Nonetheless, early goals from Samuel Gigot and Boulaye Dia helped them take control of Sunday's game against Serie A strugglers Hellas Verona, before captain Mattia Zaccagni sealed a 3-0 win over his old club.
Also through to the Coppa Italia quarter-finals, where they will meet Inter Milan next month, the capital club could now wrap up Europa League progress with one round remaining.
However, heading into a first-ever meeting with Real Sociedad, Lazio have won just one of their last 13 games against Spanish sides across all competitions, losing six of the last seven.
© Imago
Similarly, La Real are winless in their last eight encounters with Serie A opponents, and they have never won a competitive contest on Italian soil.
After last month's Mikel Oyarzabal-led victory over Dynamo Kyiv, in which the Euro 2024 winner bagged a brace, the San Sebastian club sit 11th in the Europa League table.
Three points clear of elimination, but only one short of the all-important top eight, Imanol Alguacil's side have won eight of their last 14 matches in UEFA's second-tier competition - the last two by an aggregate score of 5-0.
Since that success against Dynamo, two Copa del Rey triumphs have set up a quarter-final with Osasuna, but their La Liga campaign suffered a setback last weekend, when losing to rock-bottom Valencia.
The Basque side may have struggled for consistency in the league this season - leaving them seventh in the standings - but conceding just five goals in 10 away games suggests they could prove tough to beat at Stadio Olimpico.
Team News
© Imago
Although defensive duo Patric and Manuel Lazzari are set to join midfielder Matias Vecino on the sidelines again, Lazio can welcome back Loum Tchaouna from a one-match domestic ban.
However, French centre-back Samuel Gigot is now suspended, so Alessio Romagnoli should partner Mario Gila at the heart of the hosts' defence.
Recently returned from injury, Europa League specialist Pedro could also be promoted from the bench, as the 37-year-old veteran has a competition-high six goal involvements to his name so far this season.
Meanwhile, Real Sociedad will travel without long-term absentee Hamari Traore, and Arsen Zakharyan is a major doubt with an ankle problem.
Jon Aramburu is now available after serving a suspension, bolstering a squad that Imanol Alguacil said was suffering with fatigue after their league loss to Valencia.
After both began that game on the bench, forward pair Take Kubo and Mikel Oyarzabal are in contention for a recall. Reportedly close to sealing a summer exit, Spain international Martin Zubimendi should start in midfield.
Lazio possible starting lineup:
Mandas; Marusic, Romagnoli, Gila, Pellegrini; Dele-Bashiru, Rovella; Tchaouna, Dia, Pedro; Castellanos
Real Sociedad possible starting lineup:
Remiro; Elustondo, Zubeldia, Aguerd, Munoz; Kubo, Mendez, Zubimendi, Sucic, Gomez; Oyarzabal
We say: Lazio 1-1 Real Sociedad
After their scintillating run through November, Lazio have been a little more vulnerable since suffering a six-goal Serie A thrashing by Inter last month.
While the home side still pose plenty of threat, Real Sociedad should be capable of scoring and perhaps claiming a point.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Jonathan O'Shea
