Serie A: Familiarity Breeds Contempt Between Rivals

Atalanta vs Lazio

Atalanta will face off Lazio anew as the two lock horns for their next Serie A match this weekend.

Days after their intense Coppa Italia quarterfinals match, the venue stays the same as both teams turn their attention to the ongoing domestic league.

Needless to say that Atalanta and Lazio have a lot to fight for in this upcoming match.

They are two of the hottest teams in the league recently as both have been on a resurgence. And if they can both keep it up, that would surely complicate matters since it will be more crowded at the top.

While La Dea and I Biancocelesti are in fifth and seventh places respectively with 36 and 34 points, both have the capability to challenge the teams above them in Juventus, AS Roma, AC Milan, and Inter Milan.

However, something has to give between these two undefeated streaks, which makes this Sunday contest a mouthwatering matchup.

Atalanta got the better of Lazio in the reverse fixture and they are keen to repeat the same result. But can I Biancocelesti avenge their earlier loss?

Read on below as SBOTOP gives you the match preview of this high-profile clash.

Talking Points

Atalanta are coping well without their captain

Despite dealing with internal turmoil, that hasn’t affected La Dea’s form at all.

Atalanta have been undefeated in quite some time and they will look to extend their flawless run to 14 games.

Since the team left Papu Gomez out of the rotation – which many thought would leave a major void – recent statistics suggest that La Dea have established a stronger record without him on the pitch.

Gomez’s departure may have sparked something within the team as it forced their other rotation players to step up.

Martin de Roon, Remo Freuler, Hans Hateboer, and Robin Gosens filled in well at midfield for the void left by their former captain, while their strikers in Josip Ilicic and Duvan Zapata have been huge threats at goal.

Atalanta are currently at the fifth spot in the Serie A table, two points ahead of Lazio — Gian Piero Gasperini giving tactical instructions from the touchline during their match against AC Milan

In addition, Gian Piero Gasperini also has high-quality figures that can contribute off the bench.

Techinically-gifted forward and super sub Luis Muriel leads the team in scoring with 13 goals and two assists, while Ruslan Malinovskiy, Jose Luis Palomino, and Mattia Caldara have had their shining moments as well.

Their depth is the main reason why I believe that Atalanta are a dangerous dark horse here in Serie A.

And while the onus is on Gian Piero Gasperini to find the right combination every game, so far the seasoned tactician is passing the test with flying colors.

Lazio look unstoppable

Atalanta will have their hands full this Sunday as Lazio are in a midst of a superb run themselves.

Simone Inzaghi’s men are undefeated in their last five league games as they have rediscovered their offence that led to their top four finish last season.

Ciro Immobile continues to spread his wings for Lazio. With 18 goals and three assists under his belt, I wouldn’t be surprised if the 30-year-old forward wins another Capocannoniere citation this term.

However, for I Biancocelesti to win more games, they would have to find a way to cope with some of their key players sidelined.

Defenders Luis Felipe and Danilo Cataldi are excluded from this game’s lineup due to injuries, while influential playmaker Luis Alberto is still recovering from appendicitis.

History

I Biancocelesti have a good record over La Dea in the head-to-heads.

They have won 17 out of 37 games, while Atalanta managed to win 11 times along with nine draws.

Before their Coppa Italia quarterfinals game last Thursday night, Atalanta came away with a comprehensive 4-1 victory last September as Robin Gosens and Hans Hateboer scored one each while Papu Gomez tallied a brace.

Atalanta are winners of three straight while Lazio have yet to win in this matchup since May 2019.

Betting Tip

	Atalanta vs Lazio	Atalanta Asian Handicap -0.50 @ 1.75
	January 31, 22:00 (GMT+8)

The Serie A 2021 odds point to a relatively close contest, but the edge will go for the home side.

Atalanta are priced to win at 1.75, while Lazio are pegged at 4.10, and a draw is at 3.95 in the 1×2 market.

Atalanta vs Lazio is sure to offer drama, goals, and Serie A 2021 highlights for the fans to enjoy.

While this game can go either way, Atalanta should have the edge since they have the superior record against the top clubs – including Lazio – and they’ve shown to everyone that they aren’t afraid of the big occasion.