Prediction: Atalanta vs Lazio

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 11/18

Bookmaker: 888sport

While they finished the previous league campaign two points above Lazio, Atalanta trail their next opponents nine points at the moment, although they have begun to show signs of improvement. The Biancocelesti were furious with the match officials in the 3-1 loss to Torino and will now be looking to show everyone they deserve a top 4 berth.

Atalanta

Last season was a year to remember for Atalanta, who finished fourth in the Serie A standings, leaving the likes of Lazio, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Fiorentina trailing in their wake. The Orobici decided to make the most of a rare Europa League campaign, finishing top of the group that also contained Lyon, Everton and Apollon, and setting up a clash with Borussia Dortmund in the knockout stages. However, the European campaign clearly took the wind out of their sails and resulted in some unexpected setbacks in Serie A, although the team have been showing a lot of improvement of late. Atalanta have now won four of last five matches in all competitions, only sharing spoils with Torino on the road and the game against Lazio will feel as a perfect opportunity to close the gap behind Champions League positions. The 2-1 triumph in a rearranged match with Genoa saw Orobici climb to eighth in the overall standings, but they are still huge 12 points behind fourth-placed AS Roma. Atalanta have reason to hope for a good result on Sunday evening having recorded 8 wins and 2 draws in 10 home games this season.

Team News

Midfielder Marten de Roon misses out through suspension, but there are no other selection worries for Gian Piero Gasperini.

Lazio

Having shown a great deal of potential last term, Lazio continued with impressive performances this season, but they were unfortunate to have quite a few refereeing decisions go against them, leading the club chiefs to believe the league bosses do not want to see the Biancocelesti qualify for the Champions League. Setbacks against AS Roma and Torino saw the team slip to fifth in the overall standings, but they do have a game in hand on the top 3 sides and many believe they will soon be challenging for top 4 positions again. The fact that boss Simone Inzaghi fielded a strong side in the Coppa Italia clash against Cittadella is enough to suggest he was desperate for the team to return to winning ways after back to back losses to Zulte-Waregem and Torino, and the four goals scored will have helped the players restore some of the lost confidence. Lazio will not have an easy job against one of Serie A’s strongest home sides, but they, too, have more than enough attacking potential to get Atalanta defenders worried. It is important to note that the Biancocelesti won seven of eight away matches in the league this season, but only managed to keep a clean sheet once.

Team News

Top scorer Ciro Immobile is banned and he will be replaced by Felipe Caicedo, whereas Luis Alberto is doubtful and Nani and Davide Di Gennaro are out.

Key Factors to Consider

• Atalanta are unbeaten at home in this year’s Serie A (W8 D2)
• Lazio won all seven games away from Rome in Serie A this term
• Both teams scored in 7 of 8 Lazio’s away games
• Atalanta scored exactly one goal in 6 of last 9 matches
• Both teams scored in four of last five meetings between Atalanta and Lazio

Conclusion

Atalanta have seriously raised their form of late and they have been thoroughly impressive in home games this season. Meanwhile, Lazio have been relentless on the road, so everything suggests we will witness another high-scoring affair.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 11/18

Bookmaker: 888sport