With match-week 23 of the Serie A underway, eight-placed Lazio is set to host fourth-placed Atalanta in what seems to be an enchanting and exhilarating fixture at the monumental Stadio Olimpico within the beautiful capital Rome. Without further ado, here is an in-depth preview of the match-up between the two Italian giants along with the predicted lineups for each team.
Within their last fixture, the Biancocelesti managed to edge Udinese in a 1-0 victory at the Stadio Olimpico within the Round of 16 of the Coppa D’Italia. After a cagey 90 minutes throughout the cup-tie between both Serie A clubs, Ciro Immobile broke the dead-lock within extra-time as he brought down Danilo Cataldi’s sublime through-ball from the half-line in a marvellous fashion and chipped it over the keeper. The Italian’s brilliant finish against the Zebrette was enough to catapult Sarri’s men onto the quarter-finals of the domestic cup, where they will be playing against the Rossonerri.
Meanwhile, Atalanta are coming off against a scoreless draw against the league-leaders Inter at the Gewiss Stadium. Despite having the majority of their starters held at bay due to injuries, La Dea have managed to contain Inzaghi’s men from scoring a game-winner and secured a fundamental point that has kept them alive within the race for an UEFA Champions League qualifying-spot.
Lazio vs Atalanta Head-to-Head
Within the last fixture between the two Serie A giants, Lazio were held to a 2-2 draw against Atalanta away from home. The game started off poorly for La Dea as Pedro capitalized on sloppy defending to obtain the early breakthrough for Sarri’s men. The Spanish forward snatched up the rebound that Juan Musso left within the middle of the box after Immobile’s strike to hand the Biancocelesti the lead.
Despite Zapata’s brilliant strike from a very narrow angle to cancel out Pedro’s early opener, Toma Basic diced a brilliant pass across the box for Immobile. The Italian striker remained composed and found the back of the net to hand Sarri’s side the lead.
As it seemed like the game was bound to be an away win for Lazio, Marten De Roon saved the day as he launched an absolute rocket from outside the box within the dying minutes of the game to hand Gasperini’s men a last-gasp equalizer. In the end, the Biancocelesti were forced to settle with a draw after a four-goal thriller.
Based on history, Atalanta has won eleven out of 29 fixtures against Lazio. On the other hand, Lazio has the slight edge with 13 victories out of 29 matches against La Dea. Despite the Biancocelesti having a minimal advantage based on past previous fixtures, there is no doubt that this game will be exciting as both Serie A giants seem to be very evenly matched.
Lazio Form Preview
Despite having a roller-coaster start to the season, it seems that Lazio have managed to maintain consistency as Sarri’s men have secured ten points out of 15 available from the last five Serie A fixtures. (3W,1D,1L).
Since the start of the season, it was evident that Sarri has been unable to implement a consistent defensive structure within his Lazio side. However, it seems that the Biancocelesti have reached the point of inflection this season as they only lost to the Nerazzuri by a slim margin and obtained convincing victories over the likes of Genoa, Venezia, and Salernitana. Sarri has implemented a direct attacking style of play that has posed a significant threat against numerous top clubs within the league, increasing their chances of obtaining European football next season.
As it stands, Lazio currently sit in joint-sixth alongisde bitter-rivals Roma and Fiorentina, each team possessing 35 points. A win over La Dea would allow Sarri’s men to potentially climb up to fifth, keeping the Biancocelesti’s dreams of qualifying for the Champions League alive.
Player to watch: Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
Since the start of the season,Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has been undoubtedly one of the best central midfielders within the league this season. The Serbian international has scored seven goals and provided eight assists in 21 appearances for the Biancocelesti.
There is no doubt that the 26 year-old will play a vital role within this crucial fixture through his immaculate passing ability, his incredible dribbling skills, and his exceptional vision and creativity that he brings within the final third of the pitch.
Atalanta Form Preview
After a flying start to this year’s Serie A campaign, Atalanta have dipped in form as they only obtained eight points out of fifteen available from their last five Serie A fixtures (2W,2D,1L).
Since the start of the season, Gasperini’s roster has taken a huge blow as Atalanta have endured a grave injury crisis. With the likes of Josip Illicic, Duvan Zapata, and Robin Gosens all absent from the playing field as a result of suffering lengthy injuries, the black and blue from Bergamo have lacked dynamism and quality within the final third of the pitch. As a result, their momentum within the league has slowed down, causing them to slowly lose grip on a spot within the top four of the Campionato.
Player to watch: Jose Palomino
Throughout the current Serie A season, Jose Palomino has proven to be one of the most under-rated centre-backs within the league. The Argentinian international has made 17 tackles and 59 key interceptions in 19 games played.
The star stopper will play a vital role within the final line of defence during Atalanta’s fixture against the Biancocelesti through the use of his incredible ability to take the ball off of his opponents, his aggressive style of defending, and his fabulous anticipation of the game.
Lazio vs Atalanta Predicted Lineups:
Lazio (4-3-3): Strakosha; Hysaj; Felipe Luiz; Patric; Marusic; Milinkovic-Savic; Leiva; Alberto; Moro; Immobile; Anderson.
Atalanta (3-4-3): Musso; Djimsiti; Palomino; Toloi; Zappacosta; De Roon; Freuler; Pezzella; Pasalic; Pessina; Muriel.