Serie A Preview: SS Lazio – AC Milan
Milan going downhill
After a positive start to the season where Milan thrashed Lecce 4-0 in the opening match, Milan has lost the plot. The shock defeat at the hands of the newly promoted Cesena was followed by a disappointing draw at San Siro against Catania. Milan’s Champions
League performance against Auxerre, despite the 2-0 victory, was disappointing.
Milan needs to improve manifolds if they are to win the Serie A this season which is expected from them after their numerous reinforcements from across the globe.
SS Lazio
After a disastrous Serie A campaign last season, President Claudio Lotito dug deep in his pockets and decided to splash some case on Sao Paulo midfielder Hernanes. The investment is paying off this season with Hernanes making an impressive start to the campaign
with his brilliant ball holding skills.
Following their opening day loss to Sampdoria, Lazio has clawed back with two victories on the trot. Coach Edoardo Reja had to tweak his tactics before he found balance in the 4-4-1-1 formation. Argentine forward Mauro Zarate has been a complete shadow of
himself after dazzling Serie A crowds in 2008/09 Serie A season. Reja benched the forward for their victorious outing against Fiorentina on the weekend.
Team News
SS Lazio
Sergio Floccari, Mourad Meghni and Javier Garrido are the injury concerns for the Aquile. However, Lazio will have no problems without the trio as none of them feature in the starting eleven.
Expected Formation
Lazio will line-up in the same 4-4-1-1 formation that earned them three precious points against Fiorentina. Hernanes will play just behind Tommaso Rocchi who will play as a lone striker. Mark Bresciano, Matuzalem, Cristian Ledesma and Stefano Mauri will
form a four man midfield that will look to outplay a weak Milan midfield. Lazio has a decent defence backed by Fernando Muslera who is slowly turning in to a world-class goalkeeper.
Probable line-up
Fernando Muslera, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Giuseppe Biava, Andre Dias, Stefan Radu, Stefano Mauri, Matuzalem, Cristian Ledesma, Mark Bresciano, Hernanes, Tommaso Rocchi.
AC Milan
Skipper Massimo Ambrosini, Mathieu Flamini and Pato are out due to injuries. The loss of Pato was a big blow and Milan will be hopeful the Brazilian wunderkind makes his return soon. Robinho will take his place on the right wing. Kevin-Prince Boateng, who
has been the only bright spot in a dismal Milan midfield so far, will start in Ambrosini’s place.
Expected Formation
Massimiliano Allegri is expected to field his troops in a 4-3-3 formation. Robinho will play on the right flank in place of Pato. Inzaghi will be back on the bench as Ibrahimovic will take the central forward role with Ronaldinho taking up his usual left
wing role. Boateng, Seedorf and Pirlo will have a tough time against a four man Lazio midfield. Thiago Silva and Alessandro Nesta in particular will have to stay alert for any counter attacks. Milan’s defence looks vulnerable every time a team runs at them.
Christian Abbiati has done well so far and is expected to retain the gloves for the keeping role.
Probable Line-up
Christian Abbiati, Daniele Bonera, Alessandro Nesta, Thiago Silva, Luca Antonini, Boateng, Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf, Robinho, Ibrahimovic, Ronaldinho
Key Players
Hernanes
The key player for Lazio is Hernanes. He will look to dominate a slow and clumsy Milan midfield. The Brazilian midfielder is slowly coming into his own and will only get better with more matches.
Ibrahimovic
The Swedish international is a world class forward. Milan needs him to put on his scoring boots as soon as possible. The forward is capable of turning a game on its head with his moments of magic.
Prediction
Milan midfield has looked far from impressive. The defence of the ultra attacking Milan side looks brittle and Lazio will be confident of scoring. However, the attacking wealth at Milan’s disposal cannot be discounted. An entertaining 2-2 draw is at hands.
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