Tensions will be high in the Italian capital as Lazio and Atalanta prepare for a clash worth more than just three points in the race for Champions League qualification.
The match between the Biancocelesti and la Dea kicks off at 19.45 UK time at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio have continued to look inconsistent in 2023, with strong wins over Milan 4-0 and Sassuolo 2-0 contrasted to frustrating draws with Fiorentina and Hellas Verona. There are also reportedly disagreements between the coach and sporting director Igli Tare over the squad’s capability to fight for a top four finish, raising the tension.
The Biancocelesti’s only absence is veteran defender Stefan Radu, out with a muscle injury. Ciro Immobile is back to full fitness and expected to play the full 90 minutes of the match with Atalanta.
Atalanta started the new year with a spring in their step, flying to an 8-2 win over Salernitana and a 5-2 Coppa Italia win over Spezia, but still need to maintain momentum in the race for the Champions League spots, dropping points in draws with Juventus and Spezia.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s side are without Mario Pasalic, out injured, and suspended pair Luis Muriel and Joakim Maehle.
Probable line-ups for Lazio vs Atalanta
Lazio (4-3-3): Provedel; Lazzari, Casale, Romagnoli, Marusic; Milinkovic-Savic, Cataldi, Luis Alberto; Felipe Anderson, Immobile, Zaccagni.
Atalanta (3-4-2-1): Musso; Toloi, Djimsiti, Scalvini; Hateboer, De Roon, Koopmeiners, Ruggeri; Boga, Lookman; Zapata.