The Daily Star Ireland
Atalanta host Lazio at the Gewiss Stadium in what promises to be a tightly contested Serie A clash. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side are looking to recover from back-to-back defeats to Inter Milan and Fiorentina, while Marco Baroni’s Lazio continue to battle inconsistency on the road. With both teams pushing for European qualification, this fixture carries weight and intrigue.
Match Preview
Atalanta enter this encounter third in the Serie A table with 58 points, despite recent setbacks. Injuries have disrupted their rhythm, particularly the absence of Gianluca Scamacca (hamstring) and Rafael Tolói (pubalgia). Nevertheless, Gasperini’s tactical system remains one of Serie A’s most effective, blending high pressing with structured buildup. The Bergamo side have been formidable at home, winning four of their last five games at the Gewiss Stadium.
Lazio, sitting seventh with 52 points, remain unpredictable under Baroni. Their recent 1–1 draw with Torino exposed familiar flaws — wastefulness in front of goal and lapses in concentration at the back. While players like Gustav Isaksen and Felipe Anderson have provided moments of creativity, Lazio’s inability to sustain intensity over 90 minutes has limited their progress. Their away record in particular — just one win in their last nine league trips — is a growing concern.
Both teams have plenty at stake: Atalanta need a win to stay in the Champions League race, while Lazio are fighting to stay within touching distance of the top six. Expect a tactical duel, high energy, and individual moments of brilliance.
Team Form & Recent Results
Atalanta (Last 5 Matches): L–W–W–L–L
- Goals Scored: 9
- Goals Conceded: 8
- Clean Sheets: 1
Atalanta’s home dominance has been key to their success this season, with four straight wins at the Gewiss. However, fatigue and defensive injuries have started to show, making early control crucial.
Lazio (Last 5 Matches): D–L–W–L–D
- Goals Scored: 5
- Goals Conceded: 6
- Clean Sheets: 1
Lazio’s results mirror their inconsistency — flashes of promise, but little end product. Their midfield transitions have often left their defense exposed, particularly away from Rome.
Head-to-Head Record
The recent head-to-head between these sides is finely balanced, often producing open, end-to-end football.
- Last 5 Meetings: Atalanta W2, Lazio W2, D1
- Aggregate (Last 5): Atalanta 9–8 Lazio
- Last Meeting: Lazio 1–0 Atalanta (April 2025)
Atalanta have won their last two home meetings with Lazio, scoring five goals and conceding just two in those matches.
Lineups, Injuries & Team News
Atalanta (expected lineup):
Musso – Kolasinac, Djimsiti, Scalvini – Zappacosta, Koopmeiners, De Roon, Ruggeri – Lookman, Pasalic – Miranchuk
Injured: Scamacca (hamstring), Tolói (groin)
Doubtful: Holm (knock)
Key Players:
- Teun Koopmeiners: The heartbeat of Atalanta’s midfield; strong in both creation and defensive work.
- Ademola Lookman: Unpredictable in attack, capable of breaking lines and scoring from distance.
- Mario Pasalic: Brings balance between midfield control and forward penetration.
Lazio (expected lineup):
Provedel – Lazzari, Gila, Romagnoli, Pellegrini – Vecino, Guendouzi, Alberto – Isaksen, Immobile, Zaccagni
Injured: Castellanos (ankle)
Suspended: None
Key Players:
- Ciro Immobile: Veteran finisher who thrives on service from wide areas.
- Luis Alberto: Lazio’s creative core, responsible for tempo and final passes.
- Mattia Zaccagni: Dangerous in transition, especially when given space to run at defenders.
Tactical Analysis & Key Battles
Atalanta’s Approach:
Gasperini’s men will press aggressively from the start, using their 3-4-1-2 formation to overload central spaces. The wing-backs, Zappacosta and Ruggeri, provide crucial width, while Koopmeiners dictates the tempo. Expect Atalanta to target Lazio’s left flank, where defensive coordination has been an issue.
Lazio’s Strategy:
Baroni will likely set up compactly, relying on counterattacks through Zaccagni and Anderson. The midfield trio must stay disciplined, especially to counter Atalanta’s high press. Lazio’s biggest weapon remains their pace on the break, though sustaining pressure against Atalanta’s intensity will be a challenge.
Key Tactical Duels:
- Koopmeiners vs Guendouzi: Battle for midfield dominance.
- Lookman vs Lazzari: Speed and creativity on the flanks.
- Immobile vs Scalvini: Experience versus youthful physicality.
Odds, Markets & Betting Tips
1X2 Odds: Atalanta 1.85 | Draw 3.75 | Lazio 4.20
Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 1.80 | Under 2.00
Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Yes 1.82 | No 1.92
Top Betting Picks:
- Atalanta to Win (1.85): Four straight home victories make them a solid pick.
- Both Teams to Score (1.82): Lazio’s pace can cause problems on the counter.
- Lookman Anytime Scorer (2.50): The Nigerian forward remains Atalanta’s most direct goal threat.
Quick Facts (Featured Snippet):
- Venue: Gewiss Stadium, Bergamo
- Kickoff: October 20, 2025 – 20:45 CET / 19:45 BST / 14:45 EST
- Competition: Serie A 2025/26 – Matchday 9
- Broadcast: DAZN / Paramount+
Where to Watch Online & Kickoff Time
Live Broadcast: DAZN (Italy), Paramount+ (USA), TNT Sports (UK)
Kickoff Time: 20:45 CET / 19:45 BST / 14:45 EST
Prediction: Atalanta vs Lazio, Serie A 2025/26
Both teams have attacking talent but contrasting dynamics — Atalanta’s structured intensity versus Lazio’s reactive counterplay. The hosts’ pressing and home dominance should give them an edge, even with key absentees. Lazio’s away struggles and lack of consistency may once again cost them against a side that thrives in high-tempo battles.
Final Prediction: Atalanta 3–1 Lazio
Best Bet: Atalanta to Win & Over 2.5 Goals
Alternative Value: Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
Atalanta’s home momentum, coupled with Lazio’s frailties on the road, should see Gasperini’s men claim all three points and strengthen their Champions League push.
