ROME – We take a closer look at some of the numbers behind tonight's match between Lazio and Inter, thanks to these stats provided by Football Data.
One win in eight for Lazio
Lazio have managed just one win in their last eight matches: a 2-0 home success against Livorno on 15 December; their other results in that period have been three draws and four defeats.
Palacio the man
Rodrigo Palacio is one of the two most decisive players in Serie A 2013/14 as his goals have earned the Nerazzurri 13 points (Juventus' Vidal is the other with the same record). Palacio has scored the key goals in Inter's away wins at Catania and Udinese (both 0-3), Sassuolo (0-7), the home victory over AC Milan (1-0) and the 3-3 draw at Torino.
Inter's firepower at the back
Inter are the Serie A side with the most goals from defenders this term. Eight have been provided by the Nerazzurri rearguard: Nagatomo (4), Jonathan (2), Ranocchia and Rolando.
Nerazzurri on 11-game scoring streak
Walter Mazzarri's men have found the net in each of their last 11 competitive fixtures, racking up 24 goals in all. They haven't drawn a blank since 5 October (Inter 0-3 Roma).
Reja unbeaten at home against Mazzarri, when his teams always score
Today is the 11th match-up between these two coaches, with five wins for Edy Reja, two for Walter Mazzarri and three draws. Reja's sides are unbeaten on all six occasions when they have played at home (W5, D1), scoring at least once each time (11 goals in total).
Reja picking up where he left off...
Edy Reja has faced Inter 11 times in his coaching career, recording three wins, three draws and five defeats. Curiously, his last game in the dugout was against none other than Inter: on 13 May 2012 his Lazio side beat the Nerazzurri 3-1 at the Olimpico.
Mazzarri never victorious at Lazio
Walter Mazzarri's overall record against Lazio includes five wins, eight draws (including the 1-1 aet in the 2008/09 Coppa Italia final in Rome - considered to be on neutral turf - while at the helm of Sampdoria; Lazio won 7-6 on penalties) and five defeats. Mazzarri has never beaten Lazio away in nine attempts (D4, L5), not including the 2008/09 cup final.
