AC Milan vs Lazio: Match Preview, Lineups, Prediction

On Wednesday, December 23, 2020, the San Siro hosts AC Milan vs Lazio in Matchday 14 of the 2020/21 Serie A.

The Head Referee for this clash will be Marco Di Bello, the Assistant Referees will be Peretti and Fiorito, the Fourth Official will be Sacchi, and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) will be Irrati with the assistance of Paganessi.

In the 181 times that the two clubs have played each other in Serie A, the Biancocelesti have won on 38 occasions, the Rossoneri have won on 79 occasions and there have been 64 draws. When playing at home, Milan has a record of 44W-23D-10L against Lazio.

As it stands in the top flight of Italian football, the Biancocelesti sit in eighth with a record of 6W-3D-4L (21 points) and the Rossoneri sit in first with a record of 9W-4D-0L (31 points).

Expected Starting Lineups

Lazio (3-5-2): Reina; Luiz Felipe, Hoedt, Radu; Lazzari, Milinkovic-Savic, Escalante, Luis Alberto, Marusic; Caicedo, Immobile

  • Unavailable: Proto, Lulic, Fares, Acerbi, Lucas Leiva
  • Disqualified: –
  • One Yellow Card Away From Suspension: Lucas Leiva, Fares, Caicedo

Milan (4-2-3-1): G. Donnarumma; Calabria, Kalulu, Romagnoli, Hernandez; Krunic, Tonali; Saelemaekers, Calhanoglu, Rebic; Leao

  • Unavailable: Kjaer, Bennacer, Ibrahimovic, Gabbia
  • Disqualified: Kessié
  • One Yellow Card Away From Suspension: Hernandez
Prediction: Milan 2-0 Lazio

This match takes place after Lazio won 2-1 versus Napoli at the Stadio Olimpico in Matchday 13 of the 2020/21 Serie A. It was an impressive result from the Biancocelesti, who were without Lucas Leiva, Joaquin Correa and Francesco Acerbi due to injuries. Napoli have been impressive this season yet in recent times have struggled as they lost two straight matches. Within the first ten minutes, it was Lazio’s talisman, Ciro Immobile who opened the score for the Biancocelesti. Adam Marusic had plenty of space and time to deliver a cross from the left flank into the box and Immobile converted with a header, as he positioned himself perfectly between two Napoli defenders. Lazio had a strong start to the match, yet as the game wore on, Napoli started to find their rhythm and dictated the tempo of the match. Nonetheless, it was Napoli’s mistake that would cost them a second goal. Mario Rui made a pass directly to Gonzalo Escalante and on the ensuing play, resulted in Luis Alberto scoring his second goal this season in Serie A. Napoli had few chances and when they arose, Lazio goalkeeper Pepe Reina stood tall and made the saves when he needed to.

In Milan’s recent match against Sassuolo, they won 2-1 Mapei Stadium. It only took the Rossoneri seven seconds to score as right off the whistle they quickly advanced upfield with some brilliant one-touch passing. This resulted in Rafael Leao scoring and setting a new Serie A record for the fastest goal scored in the top five European leagues. Sassuolo were poor in this match as far too often they turned the ball over which resulted in chances for Milan. Right before the half-hour mark, Milan once again scored, this time on the counter-attack. Theo Hernandez advanced down the left flank and with Sassuolo out of position, the full-back passed to Alexis Saelemaekers who was unmarked in the box and scored to give Milan a 2-0 lead.  Domenico Berardi got one back for Sassuolo right before full time was up as the forward scored off a free-kick from just outside the Milan box. His shot deflected off Jens Petter Hauge and fooled Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma who went the wrong direction. Sassuolo’s slow start to this match and costly mistakes were the difference while Milan were decisive when they needed to be.

In recent times, Lazio have shown better form in Serie A as they have won three of their last six matches. The Biancocelesti will look to build off their recent performance against Napoli as it was one of their best games this season. As for Milan, they will aim to remain unbeaten in Serie A. Currently sitting in first place in the standings, one point ahead of Inter Milan, they have been very impressive. The Rossoneri have been able to overcome significant injuries to players such as Simon Kjaer, Ismael Bennacer and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Nonetheless, Lazio have been in the same position where they have been without significant players as Immobile, Alberto, Acerbi and Leiva have missed significant time.

Both sides have overcome great adversity and have shown good character in doing so. This will be an intense battle between two sides whose main goal is to qualify for the Champions League next season. The last time these two teams met at the San Siro, Lazio won 2-1 and ended a 30-year drought of them not winning at the stadium against Milan. If Lazio are to pick up the three points, the Biancocelesti will need to be highly motivated and mentally prepared against a Milan side who have proven to be difficult to break down and defeat this season.

Tags 2020/21 Serie A AC Milan Biancocelesti Lazio Milan rossoneri San Siro Serie A