Prediction: Lazio vs AC Milan

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Unibet

In a showdown between two Italian heavyweights on Tuesday night, AC Milan will make the trip to the Stadio Olimpico when they meet Lazio.

Lazio

Starting with the hosts, managing to claim what was a much-needed Serie A boost last week, Lazio are desperate to try and find some much-needed stability in 2023. While Maurizio Sarri’s side might have eventually grabbed a 2-0 victory away at Sassuolo on January 15th, that is the first top-flight victory that they have claimed from their previous four attempts. Likewise, marking their return from the World Cup break with another downbeat display as they were hit with a shock 2-1 loss away at Leece, the one-time Chelsea boss has found some recent pressure on his position. Facing what could be an uphill struggle in their bid to claim a Champions League return this season, Sarri will have a headache over his side’s extended issues on home soil. Last seen at the Stadio Olimpico playing out an action-packed 2-2 draw against Empoli, it was worth highlighting that Lazio have won just a trio of their last seven Serie A battles on home soil – a run that stems back to August 26th.

Team News

In what has been a major blow for Lazio, the Eagles look set to be without attacking icon Ciro Immobile on Tuesday night due to an extended thigh injury. Likewise, Sarri has also confirmed that Mario Gila will not feature in midweek.

Bagging the winner in last weekend’s coppa Italia victory against Bologna, ex-West Ham star Felipe Anderson has found the net in each of his last three domestic appearances on the spin and will spearhead Lazio’s charge here.

AC Milan

As for the visitors, while AC Milan might have marked their return from the World Cup break with a gritty 2-1 victory away at Salernitana on January 4th, the defending champions have really come crashing back down to earth. Last seen putting in a woeful display as they were hit with a 3-0 drumming against bitter rivals Inter Milan as they had to watch the Nerazzurri lift this year’s Super Cup, Stefano Pioli’s men are in the midst of a four-match domestic winless run. Likewise, last seen on top-flight duties having to settle for an action-packed 2-2 draw away at Leece, the former Fiorentina finds his side sat 12 points adrift of a high-flying Napoli. Crashing out of the Coppa Italia earlier in the month following a dramatic extra-time defeat against Torino, Pioli has seen his side show some rather glaring defensive issues. In fact, the reigning Serie A champions have recorded just a single clean sheet from any of their last 11 straight domestic battles.

Team News

AC Milan will once again be without the injured quartet of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Mike Maignan, Fode Ballo and Alessandro Florenzi when they travel to Lazio on Tuesday night.

However, both Ante Rebic and Rade Krunic could both feature at the Stadio Olimpico after overcoming their own recent issues. Likewise, missing out on AC’s 3-0 Super Cup hammering against Inter last weekend, Fikayo Tomori looks set for a full recall.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last faced off back in April, AC Milan picked up a 2-1 victory at the Stadio Olimpico.
• Including three straight victories, the defending Serie A champions have also won five of their previous six domestic meetings against Lazio.
• Six of their last seven showdowns have finished with over 2.5 goals.
• AC Milan have recorded just a single clean sheet from any of their last 11 straight domestic battles.
• Lazio have won just a trio of their last seven Serie A matchups at the Stadio Olimpico – a run that stems back to August 26th.

Conclusion

Two sides who are screaming out for some Serie A stability in 2023, neutrals will be hoping for another lively affair on Tuesday night. Although AC Milan might have claimed a 2-1 victory in their last trip to the Stadio Olimpico back in April, the defending champions are now without a win from any of their last four straight domestic contests. Likewise, remarkably recording just a single domestic clean sheet from any of their previous 11 straight outings on either side of the World Cup break, we could be treated to an enjoyable showdown here. Two sides who have a habit of producing fireworks when they meet, we’re backing both teams to score here.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Unibet