AC Milan probably hoped to be playing against Lazio in front of a deserted home section, but instead the Stadio Olimpico will be highly charged.
As La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) recall, the image that comes to mind when thinking of Lazio away is from April 2022, with Sandro Tonali running in a frenzy under the away stand at the Olimpico. It was a last-minute winner as Stefano Pioli’s side eventually overthrew Inter and won the title.
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It was an unforgettable night for Rossoneri fans, who four years later hope to relive similar emotions on Sunday evening. Therefore, after the 1-0 derby victory that reopened the title discussion, the match in Rome becomes an event in big demand.
How many away fans will be there? It’s a given that the space reserved for away fans will sell out (more than 4,500 of the 5,000 tickets have already been sold), but as has often been seen, the adjacent stands will also attract plenty of Rossoneri fans. Thus, the estimate is 10,000 if not more.
A boost for the team
Milan are close to the goal declared from the beginning by the coach and the club: returning to the Champions League after finishing eighth last season. The victory over league leaders Inter, however, has revived the Scudetto dream.
It’s still a matter of hope, as Chivu’s team returns to the pitch tomorrow against Atalanta. Indeed, if Inter fail to respond at San Siro, then belief would grow and the numbers of fans in red and black in Rome could swell even more.
Lazio fan groups meanwhile have announced they will end their protests and will once again show up at the stadium. So, after weeks of abandoning the stadium, over 50,000 spectators are expected. By contrast, less than 10,000 were there on Monday night against Sassuol.
Milanisti see no coincidence in the Lazio fans’ decision to return to cheer on Sunday: the Lazio and Inter ultras have long been twinned.
i miss tonali in milan jersey
So much passion and energy