Serie A September 13 Preview: Lazio vs AC Milan & Atalanta vs Cagliari | Predictions and Score Tips
Serie A Matchday 4 brings two exciting fixtures for Indian football fans as AC Milan travel to face Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico, while Atalanta host Cagliari in Bergamo.
Lazio vs Milan is clearly the headline clash, with both sides looking to establish themselves near the top of the table. Atalanta, meanwhile, will be aiming to bounce back at home after suffering their first league defeat of the season.
Lazio vs AC Milan: Tough Away Test for the Rossoneri
AC Milan face one of their toughest early-season tests when they travel to Rome.
Rúben Amorim's side have shown encouraging signs in the opening weeks, but squad fitness remains an important issue. Matteo Gabbia has been dealing with an ankle problem, while Christian Pulisic is still working his way back after a bone oedema issue.
Milan are expected to continue with Amorim's 3-4-2-1 system, with Gonçalo Ramos leading the attack and Luka Modrić providing experience in midfield. Alphadjo Cissè has also made a strong case for a starting role.
Lazio, however, will not be easy to beat.
Gennaro Gattuso's men come into the game after a 2-1 away victory over Udinese and have home advantage at the Olimpico. Mattia Zaccagni, Andrea Pinamonti and Gustav Isaksen are expected to form the main attacking unit.
The hosts also have injury concerns, with Adam Marušić and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru ruled out, while Nicolò Rovella remains a doubt.
With both teams showing decent defensive organisation, this could be a tight contest rather than an open shootout.
Prediction: AC Milan to win or draw
Score Prediction: Lazio 1-1 AC Milan
Atalanta vs Cagliari: Home Advantage Could Make the Difference
Atalanta return home looking for an immediate response after their 2-1 defeat against Roma on Matchday 3.
Before that loss, Maurizio Sarri's side had won both of their opening home league matches, beating Sassuolo 2-1 and Bologna 1-0. Their strong record in Bergamo makes them favourites against Cagliari.
There are still some selection problems. Isak Hien and Kamaldeen Sulemana are unavailable, while Atalanta will also need to make adjustments in their squad.
Charles De Ketelaere and Gianluca Scamacca remain major attacking threats, while Lazar Samardžić has also made an impact early in the campaign.
Cagliari should not be underestimated.
They have already collected two 1-0 victories in their opening three Serie A matches, including their latest win against Lecce. Their compact approach has made them difficult to break down, with Daniel Maldini providing an important attacking threat.
However, Atalanta's pressing and home advantage could eventually prove decisive.
Prediction: Atalanta to win
Score Prediction: Atalanta 2-0 Cagliari
Final Verdict
Lazio vs AC Milan looks like the closer of the two matches. Milan have the quality to win in Rome, but Lazio's home advantage makes the Rossoneri double chance a safer prediction.
Atalanta are the stronger pick of the day. Sarri's side have started well at home and should have enough attacking quality to break down Cagliari.
Final Score Tips: Lazio 1-1 AC Milan | Atalanta 2-0 Cagliari
Best Picks: AC Milan double chance | Atalanta to win