Winless FC Twente will look to secure their first Europa League victory on Thursday when they host group leaders Lazio at De Grolsch Veste. The Dutch side has drawn both of their opening fixtures but now face a formidable test against the high-flying Italian club, who sit atop the group with back-to-back wins.
Match Preview Twente’s Europa League campaign has been marked by resilience rather than wins. After securing a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford against Manchester United on matchday one, they replicated the result at home against Fenerbahce. However, the Dutch side has now gone nine consecutive Europa League matches without a victory, a streak they hope to end this week.
Domestically, Twente has also faced challenges, most recently drawing 1-1 with RKC Waalwijk and losing 2-1 to Feyenoord in the Eredivisie, leaving them sixth in the league. Nonetheless, they remain a potent offensive force, scoring in 21 consecutive matches across all competitions since March. Twente’s history against Italian opposition includes a famous victory over Juventus in the 1975 UEFA Cup semifinals, and they will be eager to replicate that success against Lazio.
Lazio, meanwhile, has started their Europa League campaign in style, claiming a 4-1 victory over Nice after opening with a win against Dynamo Kyiv. Led by striker Taty Castellanos, who has already netted four times in the competition, the Italian side sits comfortably at the top of the table and will look to maintain their perfect record. Lazio’s 7 goals in two games make them the highest-scoring team in the competition thus far.
However, Lazio’s away form could be a concern. While they have been dominant at home, their record on the road has been less impressive, most recently losing 1-0 to Juventus in Serie A.
Team News Twente will be without Moroccan midfielder Younes Taha, who is sidelined with a long-term injury. Head coach Joseph Oosting may make a few changes to his lineup but is expected to rely on key players like Michel Vlap and Sem Steijn, both of whom have been instrumental in Twente’s attack this season.
For Lazio, Marco Baroni will continue to rotate his squad, with several changes expected. Forward Tijjani Noslin will miss out due to suspension, while Manuel Lazzari is doubtful with a thigh issue. Taty Castellanos and Boulaye Dia, Lazio’s leading scorers in Europe, are expected to spearhead the attack.
Predicted Lineups FC Twente: Unnerstall; Van Rooij, Bruns, Hilgers, Salah-Eddine; Vlap, Regeer; Van Bergen, Steijn, Rots; Lammers
Lazio: Mandas; Marusic, Romagnoli, Patric, Pellegrini; Rovella, Vecino; Tchaouna, Dele-Bashiru, Pedro; Castellanos
Prediction: FC Twente 2-2 Lazio
Despite Lazio’s strong start to the group stage, Twente’s resilience and home advantage may see them earn another hard-fought draw. With both teams capable of scoring freely, an entertaining and open contest is expected.
