Lazio vs Atalanta: Match Preview, Expected Lineups & Prediction

In Matchday 35 of the Serie A TIM, Lazio hosts Atalanta at the Stadio Olimpico. La Dea against the Biancocelesti, fourth against eighth – with UEFA Champions League qualification on the line, everyone can expect an eventful but challenging match between Simone Inzaghi and Gian Piero Gasperini’s sides later today. As only four points separate these two clubs in the table, it is evident that the margins are slim, indicating that a failure to obtain three points could be detrimental in the hopes for European football…

Lazio vs Atalanta – The Biancocelesti View

Felipe Caicedo, Adam Marusic, Ciro Immobile – Source – Twitter

Lazio comes into the match against Atalanta in a subpar recent run of form despite a decent performance against Sampdoria away from home. In their last five Serie A TIM matches, they have defeated Sampdoria (2-1) and Udinese (2-0), while losing out to Chievo (2-1) and Milan (1-0), and drawing Sassuolo (2-2). An overall record of 2W-1D-2L, they have conceded four goals while scoring six – not a record that a club who desire a place in next years UEFA Champions League should want or have… They currently sit in eighth place in the standings with 55 points, just four points away from La Dea in fourth.

Lazio vs Atalanta – The Nerazzurri View

Atalanta, Source- Atalanta Official

Atalanta comes into the match against Lazio in a proper run of form. In their last five Serie A TIM matches, they have defeated Udinese (2-0), Napoli (2-1), and Bologna (4-1) while drawing Empoli (0-0) and Inter (0-0) . An overall record of 3W-2D-0L, they have conceded only two goals while scoring eight – a record that a club who desire a place in next years UEFA Champions League should want or have… They currently sit in fourth place in the standings with 59 points.

Lazio vs Atalanta – Starting Line-ups

Simone Inzaghi, Source- Getty Images

Lazio (3-5-2)

Strakosha;

Luiz Felipe, Acerbi, Bastos;

Romulo, Parolo, Leiva, Luis Alberto, Marusic;

Caicedo, Immobile.

Gian Piero Gasperini, Source: ItaSportPress

Atalanta (3-4-1-2)

Gollini;

Djimsiti, Palomino, Masiello;

Hateboer, de Roon, Freuler, Castagne;

Papu Gomez;

Ilicic, Zapata.

Lazio vs Atalanta – Prediction

In the first match between these two sides this season, Atalanta came away with a 1-0 victory: a goal from Colombian striker Duvan Zapata in the first minute sealed all three points for Gasperini’s side. Although Lazio tried to push for an equalizer, dominating both the possession and shots, they were unable to beat former Laziale Etrit Berisha in goal and fell short. A different time and place on May the 5th, it is important to take a look at the history between Lazio and Atalanta.

In the last ten meetings between these two clubs since 2014, Lazio have four victories, Atalanta have three victories, and there have been three draws. However, at the Stadio Olimpico, Atalanta have won just twice since 2009. This shows the Biancocelesti’s dominance in front of their home fans when playing La Dea. It is also interesting to note that throughout this span of the last ten matches, only twice has one of the clubs won by a margin greater than one goal: this was accomplished by the Biancocelesti in 2014 (3-0) and 2016 (2-0), both in Rome.

As Immobile continues to struggle to put the ball in the back of the net, and regular starters Lulic, Radu, and Milinkovic-Savic sidelined as a result of injury or suspension, Lazio will be up for one of their hardest challenges to date. Playing a very similar style of football to that of Inzaghi, Gasperini has been able to find rhythm and fluidity through this Nerazzurri side and if they are on top of their game, Lazio will have a very difficult time breaking them down.

Prediction? Lazio 1️⃣-2️⃣ Atalanta

Tags Atalanta Gian Piero Gasperini I Biancocelesti La Dea Lazio Simone Inzaghi Stadio Olimpico