Lazio had a strong start to the season, moving quickly into the top half of the table with ambitions of securing a Champions League spot, thanks to a well-coordinated team and a solid project.
Despite a surprising 3-1 loss to Parma, the team bounced back with a 1-0 victory over Napoli but then suffered a heavy 6-0 home defeat against Inter. Expected to recover, Lazio managed a 2-1 win against Lecce. Currently, Mateo Guendouzi and his teammates are just outside the top three.
On the other hand, Atalanta Bergamo has been the standout team this season. Leading Serie A with 40 points from 17 matches, they hold a 2-point lead over Napoli.
Impressively, the Nerazzurri have won their last 11 league games, including victories over AS Roma (2-0), AC Milan (2-1), Cagliari (1-0), and Empoli (3-2). Despite a recent 2-3 defeat against Real Madrid, Atalanta remains in a strong position, sitting 13th in the Champions League standings.
For Lazio, the only significant absentee might be Vecino, with the rest of the squad ready for action. French midfielder Guendouzi has shown significant improvement since joining the team.
In attack, striker Castellanos, who netted his 7th Serie A goal last week, will be crucial. He is likely to be supported by Isaksen (2 goals and 2 assists), Dia (4 goals and 2 assists), and Zaccagni (5 goals and 2 assists). Additionally, substitute Marusic, who scored a late winner last weekend, could make an impact.
Prediction
When Lazio and Atalanta face off, goals are expected from both sides, as seen in their last six Serie A encounters. Furthermore, Lazio’s last ten home games and 10 of Atalanta’s previous 12 matches have featured goals at both ends.
Prediction: Lazio 1-3 Atalanta.
