Lazio and Atalanta are set to meet at the iconic Stadio Olimpico this Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 20:45 for what is expected to be one of the most thrilling contests of the Serie A season. The match is of significant importance as both teams are vying for the top spots, with Lazio currently sitting fourth and Atalanta just two points above them.
Managed by Marco Baroni, Lazio aims to rebound from their recent disappointing loss to Inter Milan. The biancocelesti (white and sky blue) are coming off strong performances, with six victories and one draw at home until then, but they desperately want to put forth a powerful showing to erase the memory of their last home outing.
Baroni has set his players to execute a 4-3-3 formation, showcasing players like Provedel, Marusic, Gila, Romagnoli, Tavares, Guendouzi, Rovella, Dele-Bashiru, Tchaouna, Castellanos, and Zaccagni. Key to their hopes of success is the pace and creativity of Castellanos, who is currently leading the Lazio squad with seven goals this season.
Meanwhile, Gian Piero Gasperini's Atalanta is riding high, sitting second on the table with 40 points, just behind the leaders. The Dea (the Goddess) has found its stride with 11 consecutive victories and is hungry for more as they push for the Scudetto this season. They come off the back of impressive outings, most recently defeating Empoli 3-2.
Atalanta will approach the match using a 3-4-1-2 formation, where players like Carnesecchi, Djimsiti, Hien, Kolašinac, Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Zappacosta, Pasalic, De Ketelaere, and Lookman will take the field. The team will have to cope without Mateo Retegui, the standout player leading their attack, as his condition is still uncertain.
Historical data shows the clubs have faced each other 112 times, with Lazio winning 32 times and Atalanta winning 38 matches, resulting in 42 draws. Their last encounter was on February 4, where Atalanta emerged victorious with a score of 3-1.
This clash not only has bearing on standings as the teams head for the tail end of the season but also carries the narrative of Lazio striving for redemption and Atalanta seeking to set new records as they push for the championship. With both teams showing no compunction to go for broke, fans can expect nothing less than high-stakes drama on the pitch.
The match between Lazio and Atalanta will be broadcast live on Sky Sport Calcio, Sky Sport Uno, and streamed on DAZN, NowTV, and SkyGo. Commentary will be provided by Riccardo Gentile, with the pre-match build-up from 20:00 including insights from pundits and analysis on both squads.
For viewers planning to watch, they can tune to channels dedicated to Serie A on Sky Sports or access their devices via the DAZN app for live updates and streaming on the go.
Fans of Italian football can hardly overlook the weight of this fixture which sets the stage for significant playoff ramifications as they march toward the conclusion of the Serie A season.
