Preview: Serie A Round 24 – Lazio vs. AC Milan

By Isak Möller -

After a heroic win against Bologna on Wednesday night, AC Milan will now face yet another tough test with Lazio away from home being their next opponent.

What looked to be another disappointing result for the Rossoneri on Wednesday, turned out to be a huge confidence as Milan beat Bologna despite having received two (!) red cards. Much thanks to the new man, Gerard Deulofeu, who has adapted well to the Serie A’s style of play, creating many chances and opportunities. 

Lazio on the other hand, who started this campaign strong, have struggled a bit recently, although they’ve won three of their last five games. Safe to say is that this will be an evenly matched game, with both sides being in need of a win in order to stay at the top, Milan more than Lazio, as a win would give them a big chance of climbing to 4th or 5th. 

THE TEAMS

AC Milan will have to do without the likes of Kucka, Paletta, De Sciglio, Bonaventura, Romagnoli due to injuries and suspensions, meaning we will see a different starting eleven on Monday. 

In defence, Abate and Vangioni are set to remain as the fullbacks, with Zapata and Gustavo Gomez partnering up in the centre. Obviously not the players we’re used to seeing in these positions, especially not against opponents against Lazio, but they all proved to be a feature against Bologna. 

Moving on to the midfield, Locatelli is expected to occupy the regista role as usual, being the only proper midfielder for that position available. Meanwhile, he’s expected to be joined by Bertolacci (or Poli) and Pasalic in the midfield. 

Despite getting many chances, Bacca has failed to get back to top form, with only two league goal so far this year. However, Montella could decide to start the Colombian anyway, with Suso and Deulofeu out on the wings. It’s also been reported that Bacca could get some rest and start on the bench, with Deulofeu taking his place as a false nine. 

Likely AC Milan XI (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Abate, Gustavo Gomez, Zapata, Vangioni; Bertolacci (Poli), Locatelli, Pasalic; Suso, Deulofeu, Ocampos. 

Likely Lazio XI (4-3-3): Marchetti; Basta, De Vrij, Hoedt, Radu; Parolo, Biglia, Milinkovic-Savic; Felipe Anderson, Immobile, Keita.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Again, despite his recent form, I think we should keep an extra eye on Bacca if he starts. This is because Carlos Bacca has found the net in each of his three previous appearances against Lazio so far in Serie A – each of his three goals against the Biancocelesti have been from open play from inside the penalty area. Let’s just hope he extends that run with a goal Monday.

Another Milan player we should look at is Mario Pasalic, who has shown to have an amazing work-rate, as he never seems to get tired. Of course, he scored the crucial 89th-minute winner against Bologna last time out, thanks to his will to get into the box and a fantastic assist from Deulofeu. The Spaniard is also someone who you would want to study on Monday.

In the opposition’s team, Parolo is definitely one to look out for, as he’s been in tremendous form recently. In fact, he scored four goals in his last Serie A appearance against Pescara last Sunday, and has already netted five goals against AC Milan who are his favourite target in this competition.

LAST TIME THEY MET

Last time these two teams face each other, the game ended 2-0 in favour of the Rossoneri, after goals from Bacca and Niang. Last time Milan played against Lazio away from home, they won by 3-1, after Bertolacci, Mexes and Bacca scored. 

Tags AC Milan Bacca Bonaventura De Sciglio Deulofeu Donnarumma Honda Immobile Italy Kucka Lapadula Locatelli Milan Montella Parolo Pasalic Rossoneri Serie A Sosa Suso
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