In a highly anticipated Champions League Group E kickoff, Lazio and Atletico Madrid face off at Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Both teams have their eyes set on a successful campaign, but they approach this clash from different perspectives.
Match Preview
Lazio, making a return to Europe’s elite after a hiatus since 2021, earned their spot by finishing runners-up to Italian champions Napoli last season.
However, their 2023-24 season kick-off has been less impressive, with defensive struggles and a meager three points from four Serie A matches.
On the other hand, Atletico Madrid, a regular in the Champions League, suffered an unexpected 3-0 defeat to Valencia in their recent La Liga outing.
The teams last met 11 years ago, and much has changed since then. Atletico Madrid, led by Diego Simeone, aims to put their previous disappointments behind them and make a strong statement in this campaign.
Meanwhile, Lazio, with an almost full squad available, seeks to replicate their 2020-21 season success, where they progressed from the group stage before being halted by Bayern Munich in the last 16.
Lazio’s Form:
- W
- L
- L
- L
- W
- L
Atletico Madrid:
- D
- W
- D
- W
- W
- L
Team News
Lazio is expected to field a full-strength team with possible inclusions like Matteo Guendouzi and Ciro Immobile in the starting lineup.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid grapples with injuries, notably the absence of Thomas Lemar and Koke.
Pablo Barrios is likely to continue as the holding midfielder, and the attacking force may see the pairing of Alvaro Morata and Antoine Griezmann.
Possible Starting Lineups
Lazio:
Provedel;
Marusic, Casale, Romagnoli, Hysaj;
Kamada, Guendouzi, Alberto;
Anderson, Immobile, Zaccagni
Atletico Madrid:
Oblak;
Molina, Azpilicueta, Witsel, Savic, Galan;
Saul, Barrios, Llorente;
Griezmann, Morata
Match Prediction
Both teams enter this clash with recent defeats, impacting their confidence. Lazio, struggling defensively, faces a resilient Atletico Madrid.
Our prediction: Lazio 1-2 Atletico Madrid.