Serie A: Lazio Look to End Away Woes at Atalanta

Atalanta vs Lazio

Lazio are set to take on Atalanta at the Gewiss Stadium in one of the biggest Serie A matches of the weekend.

The two clubs finished in the top six last season and are once again among the contenders to snag one of the European places.

However, Lazio have struggled mightily away from home this season, and the Serie A 2021 betting odds will again not be in their favour in Bergamo.

Can the Biancocelesti finally turn things around against Atalanta, who have had a fairly shaky record at home?

Talking Points

Atalanta still have major injury issues in defence

Atalanta are not quite the same attacking force that they were in previous years. They showed signs of that old form in their 4-1 demolition of Empoli and were also 2-0 up against Manchester United at Old Trafford before the Red Devils came back to win.

However, Atalanta had a disappointing outing as they were held 1-1 at home by middling Udinese. La Dea were outshot 9-8 despite significantly more possession and conceded a late equaliser after an error by goalkeeper Juan Musso.

Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini aims to seal a home win when they face Lazio in upcoming Serie A game — Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini instructs his players from the sidelines during a Champions League match versus Man United

Atalanta, who are currently in fifth at the time of this writing, will have the opportunity to bounce back when they face struggling Sampdoria in midweek.

La Dea have been much more successful on the road than at home this season. Three of their four wins in Serie A have come away from the Gewiss Stadium, where they have only picked up five points in five games.

Gian Piero Gasperini is currently dealing with a significant injury crisis, particularly in defence. A total of six defenders – Rafael Toloi, Robin Gosens, Berat Djimsiti, Hans Hateboer, Merih Demiral and Joakim Maehle – were all out against Udinese. Maehle, who missed the match due to flu, could be back fit to face Lazio.

Midfielder Matteo Pessina is also still missing, but Mario Pasalic has stepped up brilliantly in his absence. The Croatian has recorded a goal and three assists in his last three appearances.

Lazio still struggling away from home

Lazio have been sorely lacking consistency this season under Maurizio Sarri. In their first 12 games in all competitions, they have five wins, three draws, and four defeats.

They had some great Serie A 2021 results when they beat fierce rivals Roma 3-2 and Inter 3-1, which handed former coach Simone Inzaghi his first league defeat.

However, Lazio suffered a major blow when they lost 4-1 away to Verona last time out. Diego Simeone’s son Giovanni scored all four goals in the victory.

Since winning 3-1 against Empoli in their season opener, Lazio have failed to win each of their last five away matches (four defeats, one draw).

Lazio sorely missed their first-choice central defensive partnership of Francesco Acerbi and Luiz Felipe, who were both suspended against Verona. Thankfully, they will be back for their big midweek clash against Fiorentina.

And on the other end, Lazio remain highly reliant on star striker Ciro Immobile to score goals. The Lazio captain is currently the league’s leading scorer with eight goals in eight league games, including four in his last five.

Felipe Anderson (three goals, two assists) has been productive on his return to Rome, but 34-year-old Pedro has not provided much.

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Serie A

History

Lazio and Atalanta have been quite evenly matched over the years. In their last 26 meetings, they have claimed 11 wins apiece, with five draws.

However, Atalanta have gained the upper hand in recent years. From December 2017 to 2020, they went seven games undefeated against Lazio, with four wins and three draws. Atalanta beat Lazio 3-2 at home in June 2020 and beat them 3-2 again in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals last season.

That unbeaten run finally came to an end in January of this year, when Lazio won 3-1 at Atalanta thanks to goals from Adam Marusic, Joaquin Correa, and Vedat Muriqi.

Betting Tip

	Atalanta vs Lazio	1X2 Draw @ 3.40
	October 30, 21:00 (GMT+8)

SBOTOP odds have Atalanta as 1.96 favourites despite their recent home struggles. Meanwhile, Lazio and a draw are similarly priced at 3.40.

Clearly, neither club is in particularly great form heading into this match, and there’s also the midweek fixtures to consider.

Atalanta have the much easier match against Sampdoria, while Lazio will likely have their hands full against in-form Fiorentina.

Atalanta will benefit from home advantage, but their injury-hit defence going up against an in-form Immobile could see this match end in another draw.