LAZIO v AC MILAN: MATCH PREVIEW

AC Milan are preparing to face Lazio in the Coppa Italia 2025/26 Round of 16, just days after the Serie A meeting between the two sides. The match will be played this evening, Thursday 4 December, at 20:00 CET at Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Coach Allegri's side will look to progress after beating Bari and Lecce, while Lazio are playing their first game int he competition. Let's prepare for kick-off with our Match Preview. 

LATEST FROM MILANELLO
AC Milan come into the match in good form, having won their most recent Serie A game, beating Lazio 1-0. The Rossoneri showed defensive solidity and an ability to control the game. In the Coppa Italia, as mentioned, the Rossoneri beat Bari 2-0 in August, and then Lecce 3-0 in September. Now, it's time to focus on Lazio, with the aim of reaching the quarter-finals and extending this positive run of form. There might be some rotation in the starting XI; Fofana, Athekame and Gimenez are absent, while Christian Pulisic will be available. 

Coach Allegri, spoke on the eve of the match: "The match will be different to Saturday's one, there will be pressure and will be have to play in a technical and clear way. The Coppa Italia has to be an objective for everyone, knowing that it's difficult from this Round of 16 stage". 

Allegri: "Technical quality and composure needed"

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LATEST FROM LAZIO
Lazio come into the game following a turbulent run of results. Their unbeaten run in the league, which lasted until the Derby in September, was further interrupted at San Siro, first by Inter and then AC Milan. In between, they defeated Lecce at home. In the Coppa Italia, a competition that the Biancocelesti last won in the 2018/19 season, Lazio will look to make use of their home advantage, in what is their first game in the competition this season. At the Olimpico, they've won their last three games, including a win over Juventus. Sarri is expected to also change his team from the one seen at San Siro. 

Maurizio Sarri spoke ahead of the match: "We will need to be solid and calm, the last thing we need is a tense match. We can't underestimate AC Milan's danger, as they're one of the few teams in the league capable of winning games in any way. Luckily, we will have our fans behind us". 

PRE-MATCH STATS

• AC Milan have beaten Lazio nine times in the Coppa Italia (nine times also against Napoli and Sampdoria), only against Inter have the Rossoneri recorded more wins (11). 
• Clear balance in the last 19 matches between the sides in Rome, in all competitions: six wins each and seven draws, including two "X's" in the Coppa Italia (0-0 in both legs in the semi-finals of the 2017/18 and 2018/19 competitions. 
• AC Milan have advanced from the Coppa Italia Round of 16, 15 times in their last 16 appearances in the stage (14 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss), with the only exception being the defeat and subsequent elimination in the 2022/23 season, against Torino (0-1). 
• Rafael Leão has been involved in nine goals in 13 games against Lazio, for AC Milan, in all competitions (four goals and five assists), a personal record for active goal participations against a single side. 

WHERE TO WATCH AC MILAN ON TV
In Italy, the game will be live on Italia 1. To watch it from a different country, please consult the "AC Milan on TV" page. Follow Matchday on Milan TV: live coverage will begin at 20:15 CEST until shortly before kick-off, with the game being followed by interviews and Coach Allegri's press conference. Don't miss out on our coverage via acmilan.com, the AC Milan Official App, our official social media channels and WhatsApp.

LATEST FROM THE COPPA ITALIA
Marco Guida will be the referee, assisted by Alessandro Lo Cicero and Pietro Dei Giudici. The fourth official will be Daniele Doveri. VAR will be Ivano Pezzuto, assisted by Gianluca Aureliano.

The Coppa Italia Round of 16 began with Juventus 2-0 Udinese on Tuesday evening. Yesterday, on Wednesday, Atalanta 4-0 Genoa, Napoli 9-8 Cagliari (after penalties) and Inter 5-1 Venezia. At 18.00 CET today, Bologna-Parma and at 21.00 CET Lazio-AC Milan. Roma-Torino will take place on 13 January at 21.00 CET, and Fiorentina-Como, 27 January, at 21.00 CET. 

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