Lazio have lurched from one branch of inconsistency to another in the new year and have continued to slip down the table. Once looking a good bet for chasing Milan for the Scudetto, Edy Reja's side are currently in danger of missing out on a top-four place altogether.
Last weekend's 3-1 demolition at Bologna was the Aquile's second successive loss after they were destroyed 2-1 by Roma in the Coppa Italia, Round of 16 tie last week. The result means that going into Week 22 Lazio are fourth in the league standings with 37 points, seven behind leaders Milan.
Lazio have been in disappointing form since the start of 2011 as they have won just once in five competitive fixtures and have lost three of them. However, the Biancocelesti's record at home is very encouraging as they have won seven of the 11 league encounters they have been involved in at the Stadio Olimpico so far.
Back In Form
Fiorentina have often looked relegation material as they have hovered just above the relegation zone on occasions and have endured poor form. However, coach Sinisa Mihajlovic appears to have stabilised the Viola ship, with his side yet to lose in the league in the new year.
Three draws and one victory this month have propelled the Gigliati to 11th in the league standings with 25 points from 20 matches, a considerable six points above the relegation zone. The shadows of a late-season relegation dogfight hang over Fiorentina, but given their current form and the number of sides struggling for points below, they should be safe.
Fiorentina, though, have an abysmal away record as they have yet to register a victory on the road in Serie A this campaign. Having drawn five and lost five of their ten away matches, scoring only seven goals in the process, they will target an improvement on that record in Rome.
TEAM NEWS
Lazio
Sculli, Bresciano, Del Nero, Meghni, Garrido, Matuzalem and Rocchi are out injured for the Aquile. Dias and Zarate are suspended.
Fiorentina
Vargas, Natali, Jovetic and Frey are unavailable as they are nursing injuries. Pasqual is suspended.
Prediction
Lazio will be favourites as they are at home but Fiorentina could make the Aquile sweat for the victory.
Lazio 1-0 Fiorentina 
