Lazio vs AC Milan
AC Milan’s Serie A title defence is in serious jeopardy. The reigning champions are currently 12 points adrift of runaway leaders Napoli, and another defeat would all but sink their hopes of defending their crown.
The Rossoneri need nothing less than a win in their big midweek match against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico to keep the faint Serie A 2023 odds of retaining their title alive.
The Biancocelesti are now in the top four in Serie A after Juventus were handed a massive 15-point penalty, and a victory would send them just one point behind Milan.
Talking Points
Lazio get back on track without Immobile
Lazio had a slow start after returning from the World Cup break. They suffered a 2-1 defeat away to Lecce, then gave away a 2-goal lead to draw 2-2 at home to Empoli.
But the Biancocelesti have bounced back from those poor results with back-to-back wins over Sassuolo in the league and Bologna in the Coppa Italia.
Felipe Anderson has been instrumental in those wins, providing Serie A 2023 highlights in the absence of captain Ciro Immobile. The mercurial Brazilian has now scored in each of his last three games.
With Immobile still dealing with an injury, Felipe Anderson will once again be tasked with leading the line as a false nine, with Mattia Zaccagni and Pedro on either side. Zaccagni has been in similarly fine form with two goals in his last three appearances.
Regular starting right-back Manuel Lazzari is set to return after serving out a one-game suspension against Sassuolo. Lazzari has been a significant part of Lazio’s defence, which has been among the best this season. They have conceded just 15 goals to date, which is third behind only Juventus and leaders Napoli.
However, their home form has been unusually spotty of late. They have won just one of their last four matches at the Stadio Olimpico, with two draws and a shock 3-1 thrashing at the hands of relegation struggles Salernitana.
Milan’s title hopes fading
AC Milan have had a rough start to the new year. After a 2-1 win at Salernitana, the Rossoneri have gone on a run of four games without a win in all competitions. That includes back-to-back 2-2 draws against Roma and Lecce that have further derailed their title defence, as well as a humiliating 3-0 thrashing at the hands of rivals Inter in the Italian Super Cup.
After surrendering a 2-goal lead late against Roma, Milan fought back from two goals down to salvage a point away at Lecce.
Star forward Rafael Leao, who has still not signed a new contract with the Rossoneri, has been in decent form since returning from the break, with two goals and an assist in his last five games.
But Stefano Pioli’s side have started to slip defensively, which was one of the strengths that carried them to the championship last season. The injury to top goalkeeper Mike Maignan is finally being felt, with veteran Ciprian Tatarusanu now proving to be a significant downgrade.
Maignan is making progress in his rehabilitation, but he won’t be available for a couple more weeks so Milan will have to hang on until then.
Milan have a fairly defence away record this season, with just one defeat in their nine games. However, they have won just won of their last four, with one defeat and two draws.
History
Milan have had Lazio’s number in recent years. The Rossoneri have a 12-6 advantage in terms of wins, with nine draws over their last 27 meetings.
Milan did the double over Lazio last season as they won 2-0 at the San Siro and 2-1 at the Stadio Olimpico. They also thrashed Lazio 4-0 in the Copa Italia. Olivier Giroud scored three goals against Lazio last season, while Rafael Leao scored two.
Betting Tip
SBOTOP odds have AC Milan installed as narrow 2.33 favourites to beat Lazio, who are priced at 3.05 to bring down the champions at home. A draw is 3.20.
Lazio are a good side that will be tough to beat, especially at home. But Milan will have a bit extra motivation in this match as their whole season is effectively on the line. A loss to Lazio would all but end their title defence, and they’re not going to let that happen without a fight.
Look for Milan to get the need they win to keep some semblance of a title race alive in Serie A this season.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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