Date: October 30, 2021
Time: 15:00 CET, 9:00 EST
With the rise in cryptocurrencies bombarding sports advertising, I now don this match the Crypto Trading Platform Derby (even if Plus 500 hosts everything from crypto to commodities, you get the gist). And while the quality of crypto as a means of value is questionable the importance of this match is anything but a question mark. Atalanta and Lazio come into this match occupying both Europa League spots, and a victory for either team could springboard either club into Champion’s League spots.
Lazio’s start to the season under Maurizio Sarri has been uneven, highlighted by victories against Roma and Inter – but losses to Hellas Verona and Bologna are puzzling to the say the least. Lazio seems to have adapted well offensively to Sarri’s quick pass brand of football. Talisman Ciro Immobile has already put away eight goals, and new signing Felipe Anderson has been just as lively from the wing contributing three goals and two assists. If Lazio is frail anywhere it is in defense. The duo of Francesco Acerbi and Luiz Felipe is nice, but as a unit Lazio has still conceded 17 goals this year, the most out of any team in the top 7. Now playing a back four under Sarri, the ‘deprioritization’ of defense may be Atalanta’s ticket to repeating its most recent three goal performance. But Atalanta must ensure it doesn’t get ‘Sarried’ defensively, and will to have remain tidy at the back, regardless of how thin the options may be.
Lazio Player to Watch- Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
SMS aka ‘the text message’ has been one of the best midfielder in Serie A. Capable of doing everything on the pitch, Sergej is sometimes an impossible mark given his height, technique, passing, not to mention his set piece ability (both delivering and receiving them). Stopping him is too difficult, so slowing him down is the key. Milinkovic-Savic is already on three goals and four assists this season, and will cause Freuler and Koopmeiners loads of problems in the midfield. The key is ensuring he can’t create offensively, both on the ball or in the box – and naturally this comes to Atalanta controlling the possession. If Atalanta can do this, it is a good reason to be positive; if not – time to move onto Plan B.
Atalanta Passione’s Predicted Starting XI
The good news, Rafael Toloi should be probable for Saturday. The bad news, Jose Luis Palomino is suspended due to yellow card accumulation. Regardless, Atalanta will probably be forced to use Marten de Roon at centerback again. While he has performed admirably, he is better served up the pitch, and he’ll have his hands full with speedy Felipe Anderson and Manuel Lazzari.
The other big question mark is how and when does Gasperini begin to work Luis Muriel back into the rotation. The Colombian has played sparingly since returning from injury. Some of this is due to Zapata’s excellent play, but it cannot be ignored that Muriel has not looked quite the same since his return. A more open playing field could be a good recipe to give him space to work with and work around a slower Francesco Acerbi. The club has to be running on fumes right now, so any reprieve that can be gotten from players that have less playing time like Muriel, Ilicic, and perhaps Pezzella and Piccoli would be greatly helpful.
Atalanta Passione’s Three Keys to Three Points
Mind the speed on the right side of the pitch- Both Felipe Anderson and Manuel Lazzari are burners. Marten de Roon is not. Against Fiorentina midweek, 47% of Lazio’s attacks came down the right side against a meh fullback in defense, Cristiano Biraghi. Saturday should be no different. de Roon and whoever plays at left wingback will have to be on point to ensure that no attacks get in behind him, a tall ask.
Hit Lazio on the break- Atalanta handled Lazio well last year playing deeper, and striking when space became available. Lazio may be exposed at the back given the numbers Sarri will most likely deploy forward. This should hopefully leave space for Davide Zappacosta and Joakim Maehle to jet forward. Its then on Atalanta to capitalize on the open space, something the club has not been great at this year. This is another good reason to get Muriel minutes, given how effective he can be in taking advantage of commotion.
Win the midfield battle against Lucas Leiva- Luis Alberto and SMS are challenging enough to stop, but Lucas Leiva is the only real line of defense in front of Lazio’s centerbacks. Movement in and around the Brazilian – making him decide what to do – should be paramount, and less static play to allow the slower midfielder to regroup. Atalanta doesn’t always like to play fast, but Saturday may be the day to try it.
With Roma squaring off against Milan this weekend, there’s a high probability that Atalanta can spring into Champion’s League positions. A tough proposition, but certainly possible. Atalanta and Lazio have been quite even over the last few years, but this year is different. Lazio are healthy, and continually look dangerous – while Atalanta is just trying to scrape by until its defense can get healthy. Toloi coming back is huge, but Atalanta will desperately miss Palomino who would be much more capable of offsetting Lazio’s pace.
So with an unhealthy defense, the onus falls on the offense. Three goals against Sampdoria is encouraging, but this match more than any other would be a perfect opportunity for Malinovskyi, Muriel, and Ilicic to all be feeling it on the same day, and for Davide Zappacosta and Joakim Maehle to reignite the wingback connection. Not that a shoot-out will ensue, but there’s a good chance it could happen – and both teams could put up goals for fun. Let’s just make sure it is in favor of La Dea! As always, Forza Dea!
