Serie A returns this weekend, with several matches being played on Sunday. One of the later games to kick-off is arguably the most anticipated this week as Lazio welcome AC Milan to the Stadio Olimpico.
If Lazio have any desire to challenge Juventus and Napoli at the top of the table, they must win this match. They cannot afford to fall further behind the top two and with Inter Milan 3 points clear in third, Lazio need to win this game.
AC Milan know a win for them will lift them above Lazio and into fourth place in Serie A. With the top four qualifying for the Champions League, this would be a huge boost and see them sitting above both Roman clubs.
Lazio have been struggling to find some consistency this season despite some positive runs of results. They won four Serie A games in a row between the 2nd and 26th September but that was ended with a 3-1 loss against bitter local rivals Roma.
Lazio recovered to defeat Fiorentina and Parma but were once again found wanting against a top team as they went down 3-0 at home to Inter Milan. Lazio returned to winning ways with a comfortable victory over SPAL but were held to a 1-1 draw at Sassuolo before the international break.
Trends show Lazio have won seven of their last ten Serie A games and four of their last five on home soil. However, this has not been good enough to keep pace with those at the top and they must win this match.
AC Milan were enjoying a good run of form in Serie A until they met Juventus prior to the international fixtures. Juventus were hurting following their defeat to Manchester United in the Champions League and left the San Siro with a 2-0 win.
Having lost at Napoli on the opening day of the season, AC Milan have proven tough to beat and went on a run of six Serie A games without defeat. However, they suffered a huge setback as they lost 1-0 to Inter Milan in the local derby.
AC Milan showed good fighting spirit to respond to that defeat by beating Sampdoria, Genoa and Udinese prior to their loss at Juventus. Trends show both teams have scored in thirteen of AC Milan’s last sixteen Serie A games.
Looking ahead to the teams news and Lazio are sweating on the fitness of Lucas Leiva. If the Brazilian misses out, Milan Badelj could start in central midfield. Riza Durmisi has been suffering from illness and remains a doubt.
AC Milan have several players on the treatment table ahead of this match. Mateo Musacchio, Mattia Caldara and Alessio Romagnoli are injured leaving them short in defence. Giacomo Bonaventura is out for the season and Gonzalo Higuain is suspended.
Injuries could have a big part to play in this match as AC Milan struggle to put together a recognised defence. That could play into Lazio’s hands but they have struggled against teams in the top six and don’t be surprised to see AC Milan to leave with a point.