Atalanta Bergamo – Lazio Roma: Lazio Grab A Key Win Over Vulnerable Atalanta (1-3)

Lazio opening proceedings with a stunning goal allowed them to sit back more in their 5-3-2 block to fend off Atalanta. Uncharacteristically, the hosts were fairly stale going forward with their wide buildup slowed by Lazio congesting those areas. Atalanta could not find a way back even after switching from their conventional back three system to a 4-2-3-1 shape. This only brought further defensive issues as Lazio attacked newly discovered space relentlessly. Lazio’s clinical play up top would stave off a potential late Atalanta comeback.
Tactical analysis and match report by Julian Chingoma.

The scheduling saw these two sides meet up for the second time in a few days. An action-packed Coppa Italia contest saw Atalanta come away with the 3-2 win. Turning their attention to the Serie A, both managers sent out lineups a little closer to full strength than those that started during their midweek encounter. The hosts were sitting in fifth and only two points ahead of Lazio. Both clubs having Champions League ambitions, at the least, made this a game to keep an eye on.

Gian Piero Gasperini used a 3-4-2-1 shape. The back three of Berat Djimsiti, José Palomino and Rafael Tolói was backed up by Pierluigi Gollini. The wing-backs were Joakim Mæhle and Matteo Ruggeri with Hans Hateboer and Robin Gosens missing. Remo Freuler and Marten de Roon continued in midfield. Aleksei Miranchuk and Josip Iličić were the attacking midfielders in support of Duván Zapata.

Simone Inzaghi had his men in a 3-5-2 formation. Goalkeeper Pepe Reina had Patric, Francesco Acerbi and Ștefan Radu in front of him. The midfield three was . . .