Lazio vs. AC Milan: Match Preview, Team News, and Predicted Lineups

Match Preview

Lazio and AC Milan, two of Italy's most historic clubs, will face off in a highly anticipated Serie A clash on Sunday, January 22, 2023, at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Both teams are in excellent form and will be eager to secure a victory in this crucial match. Lazio, currently in fourth place in the Serie A standings, will look to continue their impressive recent form under manager Maurizio Sarri. The Biancocelesti have won their last three league matches, including a 2-0 victory over Sassuolo on January 14. AC Milan, on the other hand, will be seeking to extend their unbeaten run in Serie A to seven matches. The Rossoneri, who are second in the standings, are coming off a hard-fought 2-1 win over Salernitana on January 18.

Team News

Lazio will be without the services of several key players for the match against AC Milan, including Ciro Immobile, Pedro, and Mattia Zaccagni. Immobile, the team's leading scorer this season with 11 goals, is nursing a thigh injury, while Pedro and Zaccagni are both suspended. AC Milan will also be missing some important players due to injury, including Mike Maignan, Fikayo Tomori, and Alessandro Florenzi. Maignan, the Rossoneri's first-choice goalkeeper, has been out with a calf injury since September, while Tomori and Florenzi are both struggling with muscle problems.

Predicted Lineups

Based on the available team news, here are the predicted lineups for Lazio and AC Milan: Lazio (4-3-3): Provedel; Lazzari, Casale, Romagnoli, Marusic; Milinkovic-Savic, Cataldi, Luis Alberto; Felipe Anderson, Cancellieri, Zaccagni AC Milan (4-2-3-1): Tatarusanu; Calabria, Kalulu, Kjaer, Hernandez; Tonali, Bennacer; Messias, Diaz, Leao; Giroud

Key Matchups

Several key matchups will likely decide the outcome of the match between Lazio and AC Milan. Here are three to watch: 1. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic vs. Sandro Tonali: Two of the most talented young midfielders in Serie A will go head-to-head in this matchup. Milinkovic-Savic is a powerful and creative force for Lazio, while Tonali is a tenacious and technically gifted player for AC Milan. 2. Ciro Immobile vs. Fikayo Tomori: If Immobile is fit enough to play, he will be Lazio's main attacking threat. The Italian striker is one of the most prolific goalscorers in Serie A, and he will be looking to add to his tally against AC Milan. Tomori, however, is a solid and experienced defender who will be determined to keep Immobile quiet. 3. Rafael Leao vs. Elseid Hysaj: Leao is one of the most dangerous wingers in Serie A, and he will be a handful for Lazio's defense. The Portuguese winger is quick, skillful, and direct, and he will be looking to create chances for his teammates and score goals himself. Hysaj, a solid and experienced defender, will have the task of stopping Leao.

Conclusion

The match between Lazio and AC Milan is expected to be a close and exciting affair. Both teams are in good form and will be looking to secure a victory. Lazio will be hoping to continue their recent winning run, while AC Milan will be seeking to extend their unbeaten streak in Serie A. The key matchups between the two teams will likely decide the outcome of the match.