SOUTHAMPTON'S pre-season opponents take a step up on Wednesday evening when they welcome Italian giants Lazio to St Mary's.

Marco Baroni's side will present a difficult challenge for Russell Martin's charges as they look ahead to the 2024/25 Premier League season.

Southampton will be looking to take things up another level from their 1-0 win at Championship Millwall on Saturday.

Here are the key talking points ahead of Southampton's meeting with I Biancocelesti...

Back in front of the St Mary's faithful

Wednesday's game will mark the first time Saints have played at St Mary's since they secured promotion to the Premier League.

The players returned to the stadium last week for an open training session, but their last match was that unforgettable play-off semi-final win over West Brom.

Supporters will get their first taste of the new Northam Wall and will be able to sample the larger selection of lager.

St Mary's promises to play an important role for Saints again this season with their Premier League home opener against Nottingham Forest already sold out.

Armstrong and Brereton Diaz together? 

Summer signing Ben Brereton Diaz enjoyed his first outing for Southampton on Saturday when he came on to replace Adam Armstrong for the final 20 minutes.

Having swapped positions on the weekend, the former Blackburn Rovers teammates could line up alongside each other for the first time this week.

Armstrong admitted he is excited to rekindle his on-field relationship with Brereton Diaz in an interview with the Daily Echo.

The duo were best of friends off the pitch having both arrived at Ewood park during the same summer transfer window.

Frenchman Sekou Mara could also make his return after missing the trip to London, while Kamaldeen Sulemana has been ruled out for the first few weeks of the Premier League season.

Adam Armstrong can't wait to play with Ben Brereton DiazAdam Armstrong can't wait to play with Ben Brereton Diaz (Image: PA / Southampton FC / Matt Watson)

Premier League-level test

As mentioned, Lazio will provide Southampton with their toughest test of pre-season.

The former Italian champions finished seventh in Seria A last season and have a squad of stars.

They have former Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi and ex-Chelsea winger Pedro among their ranks.

Southampton have already faced one top-flight side in Montpellier, who they beat 3-1 in a behind-closed-doors friendly over in Girona.

Both sides are a week away from getting their league season under way and have each played five friendlies.

Lazio have recorded a 23-0 win over CS Auronzo before a 3-1 win against Trapani, a 1-1 draw with Triestina, a 3-0 win over Hansa Rostock and a 2-0 victory at Frosinone.

Lazio's Pedro celebrates following the UEFA Champions League match at Celtic.Lazio's Pedro celebrates following the UEFA Champions League match at Celtic. (Image: PA)