As Serie A 2022/23 action enters matchday 22, Lazio will be hosting Atalanta for an intense clash at the Stadio Olimpico. Both teams are at the top end of the Serie A standings, separated by only one point. The hosts are currently placed fourth with 39 points, whereas the visitors occupy the fifth spot with 38 points. In the last Serie A meeting between the two sides, Lazio secured a comfortable 2-0 away victory and will be looking to complete the double over Atalanta in the upcoming clash. Atalanta, on the other hand, will be motivated to give a strong performance away from home and return the favour to the hosts this time. Below, we look at the stats of both teams from the current season to comprehend how this matchup could play out.
Overall performances this season
Lazio sits fourth in Serie A with 11 wins, six draws, and four losses. The team is unbeaten in their last five matches but has played out three draws during this time. They have scored 37 goals past the opposition this term and average 1.34 xG per match. The defence has conceded only 17 goals in return, with an average xGA of 1.28. The above viz shows the percentile rank of the team in comparison to other teams in Serie A. It can be observed that the hosts are ranked highly in the possession department and have done reasonably well in the attacking and defending departments as well. Overall, Maurizio Sarri’s side has good home form. Lazio has won six, drawn three, and lost two out of the 11 matches played.
Atalanta, on the other hand, is experiencing a slight slump in their form, having won just once in their last three games. They have three wins, a draw, and a loss from the last five matches. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side has won 11, drawn five, and lost five matches. They have scored 39 goals in 21 matches played while averaging 1.68 xG per match. The defence has conceded 24 goals with an average xGA of around 1.24. Atalanta has a high rank in most of the attacking and defending indicators and has fared decently in the possession department. The team’s away record is strong, as they have won five, drawn three, and lost two matches on their travels.
Attacking efficiency
The two visuals above compare the two teams based on positional play and counter-attacks. Both teams are fairly close in terms of the efficiency of their attacking moves. While the hosts hold the advantage for positional attacks, the visiting team has a slight upper hand for counterattacks. Lazio creates 24.14 positional attacks and 1.86 counterattacks per match on average. Meanwhile, Atalanta creates 31.24 positional attacks per match along with 2.52 counterattacks. The Biancocelesti take 10.57 shots per match with an accuracy rate of 38.3%. The visitors take 11.81 shots per match and have an accuracy rate of 36.3%. Both teams are quite efficient with the creation of attacking moves they create.
Passing gameplay and defensive duels
Lazio is the better passer of the ball compared to Atalanta and averages more possession per match than the visitors. They average 49.8% possession per match. The average number of passes per 90 minutes is 544, with an 86.4% accuracy rate. Alternatively, the Nerazzurri have an overall possession rate of 47.17% per match. They pass the ball 492 times per 90 minutes and have an 83% accuracy rate. It will be interesting to see which team keeps the ball in this encounter.
The two visuals above represent the ranking of teams in Serie A based on their percentage of defensive duels won. There is some disparity between both teams in terms of winning defensive duels, with Atalanta higher on the list with a 56% win rate in defensive duels. Lazio, on the other hand, ranks second-lowest in the list, winning 52% of defensive duels. On average, the home team makes 41.86 interceptions per 90 versus 43.43 interceptions per 90 for Atalanta.
Key players
Sergej Milinković-Savić has been one of Lazio’s best players in Serie A. The centre midfielder has scored four goals and is second on the assists chart after providing eight assists. Atalanta’s defence will have to stay tight, and they can’t afford to give him space in the final third. The Serbian will provide a significant threat from midfield for the home team in this close contest.
Meanwhile, Ademola Lookman has been one of the best signings for Atalanta in the forward positions. He has scored 12 goals and provided three assists in 20 league appearances this season. If Lazio wants to secure the maximum points from this fixture, their defenders will have to ensure the Nigerian forward does not have a good game.
Team news
Lazio are expected to be without Stefan Radu because of injury. Meanwhile, Luka Romero and Diego Gonzalez will also be unavailable for selection through suspension. Apart from these three players, the remainder of the Lazio squad seems fit and ready to play.
Meanwhile, Atalanta are likely to miss the services of Davide Zappacosta and Jose Luis Palomino through injury. Whereas, Joakim Maehle and Luis Muriel will miss out through suspension. Other than these absentees, the rest of the Atalanta players will be available for selection.
Lazio vs. Atalanta will be one of the biggest matches of the weekend in Serie A. The stats indicate it is going to be an exciting contest, with both teams being good in their attacks and in keeping the ball. The motive for both teams will be to secure maximum points and consolidate their grip on a Champions League spot for next season.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine
