The San Siro hosts Lazio vs AC Milan in Matchday 3 of the 2021/22 Serie A.
In the 156 times that the two clubs have played each other in the top flight of Italian football, the Biancocelesti have won on 30 occasions, the Rossoneri have won on 67 occasions and there have been 59 draws.
When playing at home, Milan has a record of 45W-23D-10L against Lazio.
AC Milan Team News & Expected Starting Lineup
In Milan’s recent match, they won 4-1 against Cagliari at the San Siro. It was a dominant performance from the Rossoneri as Olivier Giroud led the way with a brace. Rafael Leao and Sandro Tonali scored as well for Milan while Alessandro Deiola scored the lone goal for Cagliari.
It has been a great start for Giroud with Milan as the striker has been impactful in their first two games. However, the Frenchman will be out of the lineup this Sunday as it has been announced that he contracted COVID-19 during the international break. Fortunately for Milan, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is expected to return to the lineup and could be making his first start this season. The striker’s return comes at a pivotal time with Giroud possibly missing this game and this gives Milan an option upfront.
The Rossoneri are off to a great start this season as they have won their first two games and have put forth complete performances under Milan manager Stefano Pioli. Since taking over for Marco Giampaolo two seasons ago, Pioli has turned this club around and has managed to keep them near the top of the standings.
AC Milan’s Probable Starting XI vs Lazio: Ibrahimovic, Leao & Kessie In
Lazio Team News & Expected Starting Lineup
This match takes place after Lazio won 6-1 against Spezia at the Stadio Olimpico. It has been a great start under new manager Maurizio Sarri, as the Biancocelesti have won their first two matches to begin the season. It was a dominant performance from Lazio as talisman Ciro Immobile led the way with a hat-trick. Felipe Anderson, Elseid Hysaj and Luis Alberto scored as well while Daniele Verde scored the lone goal for Spezia.
On Sunday, Lazio will have their first tough match this season as they will visit the San Siro to play Milan. It is a stadium that has not been kind to the Biancocelesti, as they have struggled to win at the San Siro in past decades. During the international break, Immobile picked up a knock and is questionable for this match. In the event that he does not play, expect Vedat Muriqi to be slotted in, or one of Pedro or Felipe Anderson playing as a false nine.
There will be a new face in the lineup as Mattia Zaccagni is expected to be ready and will be a massive boost for Sarri. The winger was Lazio’s last acquisition during the transfer market; he arrived from Hellas Verona and is expected to replace Joaquin Correa, who was sold to Inter Milan.
Lazio’s Probable Starting XI vs AC Milan: Marusic & Immobile In, No Basic or Zaccagni
Milan’s Player to Watch: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Ibrahimovic is expected to be in the lineup on Sunday for Milan and could make his first start this season.
The Rossoneri’s leadman had a productive season last year as he finished with 17 goals and contributed three assists across all competitions. He is a player that Lazio will need to defend well against as he has very good strength, is clinical, and has the ability to be a difference-maker despite his age.
Last season, Zlatan missed both matches versus Lazio due to injury. However, the prior season (2019/20), the Swede was the ‘Man of the Match’ with a goal and an assist in Milan’s 3-0 win at the Stadio Olimpico (July 2020).
Lazio’s Player to Watch: Ciro Immobile
Immobile is off to a great start this season. The Italian was arguably Lazio’s best player in their recent 6-1 win versus Spezia, scoring a hat-trick in the first half.
The striker is in his sixth season with the Biancocelesti and will aim to follow up with another impressive campaign. Last year, the Italian had a productive season for Lazio as he finished with 25 goals and eight assists across all competitions.
Immobile has been successful versus Milan as the Italian has seven goals and four assists in 13 appearances in Serie A. In addition, he has scored in three straight matches versus the Rossoneri and will aim to extend that streak on Sunday.
Milan vs Lazio: Statistics & Facts
- In the past ten meetings between Milan and Lazio, the Rossoneri have been the better side with a record of five wins, two draws and three losses.
- In recent times, Milan and Lazio have played close matches; seven of the last eleven matches have been decided by one goal or less, and another tight affair could be on the horizon.
- Lazio have struggled to win against Milan in Serie A at the San Siro; the Biancocelesti have just two victories in their last 32 Serie A matches versus the Rossoneri at the stadium.
- Sarri has been successful versus Milan as a manager and holds an impressive record; in 14 matches against the Rossoneri, Sarri has six wins, six draws and two losses.
Milan vs Lazio: Prediction
This will be the first real test of the season for both Milan and Lazio. While it will give a general sense of where the Biancocelesti stand at the moment in terms of their progression under Sarri, expect the Rossoneri to come prepared and ready to go on Sunday, as they aim to continue their recent success at the San Siro against Lazio.
- Milan 1-2 Lazio
