A dramatic race for Champions League football continues on Sunday when Lazio host Inter Milan in the Italian capital.

In the past Inter may have been hoping to competing for similar success to Lazio, but the Nerazzurri are simply fighting to stay in the battle for Europa League qualification.

Lazio

As Lazio prepare for the final four games of their campaign, the hopes of their loyal fan base are beginning to rise as they close in on a return to Europe's elite club competition.

After spending recent years on the outside looking in as Italian clubs challenged for success in Europe, Stefano Pioli's side are in a strong position to not just qualify for the Champions League, but to claim second spot too.

Roma currently sit just one point better off, but with only four games remaining, Lazio's fans will be looking over their shoulders with Napoli trailing them by four points, and the race could be set to go to the final day of the season.

Pioli would certainly prefer to wrap up qualification as quickly as possible before they meet Roma and Napoli in their final two games of the season, and if Lazio can win the next two games, they will be confident of holding on in the top three.

However, the next two weeks represent a tough challenge for Lazio as they take on Europa League hopefuls Inter and Sampdoria, and a 1-1 draw with Atalanta last weekend did nothing to calm the nerves.

Pioli has already changed so much at Lazio, but if he can guide his side through the next four fixtures to clinch a top-three finish for the first time since 2007, the club's supporters may feel that a return to the glory days are not far behind.

Recent form: WWLDWD
Recent form (all competitions): WWLDWD

Inter Milan

Inter may not be in the position the majority of their supporters would like, but a largely frustrating campaign could end on a positive note if Roberto Mancini's side continue their recent resurgence in Serie A.

A few weeks back a mid-table finish seemed inevitable until the Nerazzurri managed a run of six matches without a defeat to boost their hopes of qualifying for the Europa League.

After going almost two months without a victory the mood was low and many questioned whether the decision to bring back Mancini was the correct one, but the signs in recent weeks have suggested that the former Manchester City boss is starting to get his ideas across and the squad's resilience has been on show.

Victories over Roma and Udinese were followed by an uneventful draw with Chievo last weekend, and with three of their next four matches coming against top-half teams, Mancini will be fully aware that forcing their way into the top six will be difficult.

However, Fiorentina currently sit just three points ahead of them and there is a feeling of optimism which has been missing from Inter for long spells of the season.

Mancini has previously insisted that his side will challenge for the title next season, and a strong finish over the next four games could convince some of his critics who are still unsure.

Recent form: DWDWWD

Team News

Lukas Podolski, Xherdan Shaqiri and Mateo Kovacic were among the players forced to settle for a spot on the bench in Inter's draw with Chievo on Sunday, and all three are likely to be pushing for recalls.

It remains unclear how much Mancini is willing to change, but a reshuffle to the support for front two Mauro Icardi and Rodrigo Palacio seems inevitable.

Changes in attack are also a possibility for Lazio, and Keita Balde Diao could drop to the bench to make way for Miroslav Klose, who missed the draw with Atalanta due to suspension.

Senad Lulic is also pushing for a start after being dropped against Atalanta, and he could replace Mauri.

Lazio possible starting lineup:
Marchetti, Radu, Ciani, Mauricio, Basta, Parolo, Cataldi, Candreva, Lulic, Anderson, Klose

Inter Milan possible starting lineup:
Handanovic, D'Ambrosio, Vidic, Ranocchia, Juan, Medel, Kovacic, Shaqiri, Guarin, Icardi, Palacio

Head To Head

Two goals from Felipe Anderson forced Inter to come from behind to earn a point when the two sides played out an entertaining draw in the reverse fixture just before Christmas.

It was the first draw between the teams since a Coppa Italia tie in 2008, and since then both clubs have enjoyed periods of success over the other in one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures in Italy.

However, Inter have not won away to Lazio since Zlatan Ibrahimovic helped them to a 3-0 triumph almost seven years ago.

We say: Lazio 1-0 Inter Milan

It could be a typical Italian fixture between two sides that still have so much to play for late in the season. The pressure will be on Lazio to break down the visitors, who will surely resist being too open in the Italian capital. One goal could be enough for the hosts.