S.S. LAZIO
v
AC MILAN
Stadio Olimpico, Rome
September 22, 2010 – 00:15 IST
After yet another slow start to the season, AC Milan travel to Rome to face Lazio in one of the biggest challenges of their season thus far. Unfortunate timing indeed for Massimiliano Allegri, who is already being questioned over his tactics in the stalemate against Catania at home last Saturday. This would be Milan’s fourth match in 12 days, including the Champions League clash against Auxerre, and the side is already showing signs of fatigue with a number of key players facing appointments with the medical staff.
After running all over Lecce in their first match, Milan have been disappointing since then. The scoreline against Auxerre notwithstanding, the gaps in the midfield are something any strong attack could have exploited. Milan was without Ibrahimovic and Robino when they drubbed Lecce in their season opener. Since their arrival, Allegri has found it hard to set the balance right. He is forced to play an attacking formation because of the burden of all the attacking players that Milan has signed. With Pato out for three weeks and Robinho also nursing a ‘minor’ injury it would have been hard to play a 4-3-3. But choosing to stick with it against Catania, Milan did pay the price for it. Apart from the attack line, the right full back problem is also a cause for concern as Bonera has not been that impressive off late and it was a blunder to rest Zambrotta on the bench – one that will need considerable reconsideration. The good news for Milan is that Flamini and Robinho have undergone a full training session and both are expected to be available in time against Lazio. Allegri will need to put on his thinking cap to accommodate the both of them in the team. This will be a test of character for the new Milan manager. Whether he flourishes or perishes in the process, remains to be seen.
Lazio, on the other hand, have also had a bad start to their campaign losing 2-0 to Sampdoria away from home. Going forward they have shown tremendous improvement with a win against Bologna. Just last week they overcame a single goal deficit to beat Fiorentina 1-2 away from home and this is what gives Edy Reja‘s men the confidence they can snatch three points from the Rossoneri. Milan will need to keep a hold on Hernanes who arrived at the Biancocelesti from Sao Paolo. Howver, Flocarri seems to be a doubtful starter because of a minor thigh strain and Mauro Zarate has not been in good form recently and is expected to be on the bench. With players such as Ledesma, Bresciano and Mauri, Lazio will be hoping to control the midfield at the Olimpico. Reja will start with the lone striker Tommaso Rocchi just as he did in Florence. Lazio will come hard at Milan, and Allegri would need to find a suitable combination for the midfield as the Roman outfit is truly capable of exploting any generosity.
Milan’s possible starting Line up:
Abbiati, Zambrotta, Nesta, Silva, Antonini, Boateng, Pirlo, Flamini, Ronaldinho, Ibrahimovic, Robinho
Lazio’s possible starting Line up:
Muslera, Lichtsteiner, Biava, Andre Dias, Radu, Mauri, Matuzalem, Ledesma, Bresciano, Hernanes, Rocchi.
TheHardTackle’s player to watch out for:
Hernanes (Lazio)
Undoubtedly the signing of the season for the Aquile. Hernanes brings versatility to the team and with his ability to switch roles in a smooth transition might turn out to be a thorn in the bush for Milan. Reja holds him the highest of regard and the South American has already proved his importance to the team by allowing Reja to play a 4-4-1-1 with Hernanes behind Rocchi. His ball control skills are something to aspire for and his strength is something that even worries Thiago Silva.
TheHardTackle’s Prediction:
Lazio 2-2 AC Milan
TheHardTackle’s Blast from the past: