Serie A: Points at a Premium Between Lazio and Atalanta

Lazio vs Atalanta

The race for European berths continues to tighten here at Serie A, making this Saturday game between Lazio and Atalanta pivotal for all sides involved.

Atalanta remain at fourth with 42 points following their draw against Inter Milan as they literally went toe-to-toe in Bergamo last weekend, and they’re eager to put up more points in order to fortify their hold at a Champions League place.

Lazio, on the other hand, have built some momentum following their earlier loss against Inter Milan 10 days ago as they’ve won their league fixture against Salernitana and they advanced to the next round of the Coppa Italia with a victory over Udinese.

The Biancocelesti are still recovering from their slow start to the 2021/22 season and they’re currently on a three-way tie alongside Fiorentina and AS Roma, who also have 35 points and are placed sixth and seventh respectively.

The previous meeting between Lazio and Atalanta yielded goals and fireworks. And when they’ll meet again this weekend, SBOTOP football fans can expect more of the same.

Talking Points

Ciro Immobile carrying Lazio

Ciro Immobile remains as talismanic as ever for Lazio since he continues to carry the team on his back in order to stand a chance for a spot in Europe.

The 31-year-old is leading the Capocannoniere race with 17 goals and two assists. And at this rate that he’s been playing, we wouldn’t be surprised if he’ll bring home the said award for the second time in the past three years after this term.

He does need help, though, in order for Lazio to achieve their main objective since football is not a one-man sport.

Pedro, who has found a new lease of life with the Biancocelesti, is the team’s second-leading scorer with eight goals and five assists. However, after suffering a calf injury in their victory over Salernitana, Maurizio Sarri will not risk playing him this Saturday.

With Pedro out, this means that the likes of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Felipe Anderson would have to shoulder more of the attacking load for Lazio. Milinkovic-Savic and Anderson are the team’s third and fourth-leading scorers with seven and four respectively.

Mattia Zaccagni may have an increased opportunity too if he’s available to play this weekend. The 26-year-old forward sprained his ankle recently, although it doesn’t seem too serious.

Atalanta cannot afford to drop points

Duvan Zapata is on doubt to play in Atalanta's Serie A match against Lazio — Duvan Zapata during Atalanta’s match against Genoa

La Dea appear likely to claim the final Champions League spot at the end of this season, but they’d still have to earn it the hard way – especially with Juventus breathing down on their necks.

Atalanta’s first set of results for 2022 have produced a mixed bag and it doesn’t help that they still have injuries to deal with.

Duvan Zapata and Robin Gosens were sidelined last weekend, but the team was able to hold on for a point against Inter Milan. Both are considered questionable on Saturday.

Atalanta had numerous chances but didn’t convert in the said match, so they’d have to be more clinical this time around.

History

Lazio may have gotten the better of Atalanta at home in the past, especially from 2014 to 2017, but they’ve only gained two points in their last four home meetings – which is their worst run without a win over them in Serie A since 1991.

However, they’ve scored 10 goals in their last three league home games, so that’s an encouraging sign. Lazio also scored at least three goals in six Serie A games since the beginning of December 2021 – which is more than any other Italian side in the said span.

These two sides last met at Bergamo in October where the spoils are shared as the game ended on a 2-2 stalemate.

Pedro gave Lazio the early lead at the 18^th minute but Duvan Zapata scored the equaliser right before the half-time break. Lazio looked like they were on their way to snatch the three points when Ciro Immobile scored at the 74^th minute, but Marten de Roon rescued Atalanta with his goal in added time.

Betting Tip

	Lazio vs Atalanta	1X2 Draw @ 3.60
	January 23, 03:45 (GMT+8)

We expect another close affair between these two clubs and the Serie A 2022 odds seem to agree. Atalanta, though, are given the slight edge at 2.25 while Lazio are priced to win at 2.95 in the 1X2 market.

But given how these two stack up quality-wise, they’re pretty evenly matched which is why we’re leaning towards recommending going for a Draw at 3.60.

This is undoubtedly going to be another explosive encounter filled with Serie A 2022 highlights. Therefore, a repeat of the previous scoreline that they produced during their reverse fixture is plausible.