Atalanta host Lazio in a battle of two of Serie A’s top seven clubs on Monday night. Lazio sit in fifth place, four points ahead of Atalanta. The Rome-based club have hit a major dip in form over the last four games. Lazio have drawn all four matches scoring just five goals and allowing five during the time span.
Atalanta have won four of their last five Serie A fixtures, but did suffer back to back losses against Empoli and Napoli prior to winning last weekend against Udinese.
Manager Gian Piero Gasperini has seen his Atalanta team struggle at home obtaining just 10 points from 21 possible. They have won just two of their last six home games with three ending in defeat. Atalanta have scored goals at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia posting 12 strikes while conceding just five.
While Atalanta’s form at home has be hot and cold, Lazio have lost just once in their last six away fixtures. Lazio have recorded 11 points from 21 possible, a good return when playing on the road. They have gone undefeated in their last three away matches with draws against Chievo and Sassuolo while winning at Parma. Lazio have scored eight times and conceded eight times on their travels.
Lazio did lose in the Europa League on Thursday night to Eintracht Frankfurt. Despite the loss, they are through to the knockout stages. The midweek fixture could limit Simone Inzaghi’s player selection. Leading sportsbooks have Atalanta as the favourite with the likelihood of both teams scoring high.
In their last six meetings in Serie A, just one match between Atalanta and Lazio has ended without both teams scoring. That match came all the way back in March 2016. Lazio have won three of the six games against Atalanta while two ended in draws and one in an Atalanta victory.
Not only have recent fixtures seen both teams score, but four of six meetings have ended with over 2.5 goals scored. However, Lazio’s defence on the road has been solid this term, and in their last three away games, there have been fewer than 2.5 goals scored.
Monday night’s match in Bergamo sees a struggling Lazio come to town. Although Atalanta have been playing well, they have performed poorly against Lazio in recent outings. The two sides will play out a draw with both teams getting on the scoreboard. It may not be the result either wants, but it will be a fair one.