Lazio vs Atalanta: Match Preview
Lazio hosts Atalanta at the Stadio Olimpico in Matchday 8 of the 2019/20 Serie A.
Looking at the previous 10 matches between the two sides, it has been quite an even encounter. The Biancocelesti have won on four occasions, the Nerazzurri have won on three occasions, and there have been three draws. In this period from May of 2015 to May of 2019, Le Aquile have scored 17 goals, conceded 15 times, and have managed just two clean sheets against La Dea. In more recent times, Lazio defeated Atalanta 2-0 to lift the Coppa Italia, while in the league they lost both matches last year: 1-0 at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia and 3-1 at home.
In regards to form in the Serie A this campaign, Simone Inzaghi’s team sits in sixth with a record of 3W-3D-2L (11 points), while Gian Piero Gasperini’s side sits in third with a record of 5W-1D-1L (16 points); the last round of calcio saw the Biancocelesti draw Bologna 2-2 and the Nerazzurri defeat Lecce 3-1.
Lazio vs Atalanta: Expected Lineups
Lazio (3-5-1-1): Strakosha; Radu, Acerbi, Luiz Felipe; Lulic, Luis Alberto, Parolo, Milinkovic, Lazzari; Correa; Immobile.
ODDS FOR STARTING
Luiz Felipe-Bastos: 55-45%, Lazzari-Marusic: 55-45%, Correa-Caicedo: 60-40%
Atalanta (3-4-1-2): Gollini; Masiello, Palomino, Toloi; Gosens, Pasalic, Freuler, Hateboer; Malinovskyi; Gomez, Muriel.
ODDS FOR STARTING
Palomino-Kjaer: 55-45%, Hateboer-Castagne: 55-45%, Freuler-de Roon: 55-45%, Malinovskyi-Ilicic 55-45%
Lazio vs Atalanta: Prediction
This match takes place after an International Break which saw several of the key figures within each side be called for duty. Although this keeps players on their toes, it can also lead to fatigue and injuries, outlined by Atalanta’s Duvan Zapata.
The striker-on-form will be unavailable for the match due to an adductor strain that was picked up while playing for Colombia this past week. Although a massive loss, Gasperini has enough firepower up top to continue their proper displays in front of goal with the likes of Luis Muriel, Papu Gomez, and Josip Ilicic.
On the contrary, Lucas Leiva will be unavailable to be selected as a result of suspension; look for Marco Parolo to step in to fill the gap.
Apart from these two players, both teams should be at full strength, ready to play their attack-minded and countering style of football. As shown in the first seven matches, they have been converting their chances and focusing but issues arise with this as they are caught defensively. This is why this clash is set to be an exciting one, set to bring a lot of action.
Some interesting facts provided by @S_K_MOORE:
Prediction: Lazio 2-2 Atalanta