TIME MACHINE: LAZIO v AC MILAN

Let's wrap up a busy August with the season’s first big match. Our opening clash is against a team that, like us, will be competing in European competitions. Lazio v AC Milan games are usually packed with goals and drama, where every moment can be crucial. To set the stage for our third league fixture, we're revisiting the match from 1 November 2015 in Time Machine.

It's Matchday 11. Lazio and AC Milan, managed by former coaches of both clubs, Pioli and Mihajlović, meet while both are in the European spots, keen to use this direct clash to gain an advantage in the league standings. The match at the Olimpico features two attacking teams. Lazio's 4-2-3-1 formation faces AC Milan's usual 4-3-3, led by the trio Cerci-Bacca-Bonaventura. Notably, it's also Gianluigi Donnarumma's second Serie A appearance, following his debut in the previous match against Sassuolo. The game was thrilling, with both sides giving their all. After a powerful shot from Bonaventura narrowly missed the target, AC Milan took the lead on 25'. Bertolacci scored with a tap-in, converting a rebound from Marchetti after a save from Bacca.

The Rossoneri pressed on, and Cerci almost doubled the lead just before half-time with a left-footed shot from a tight angle that hit the inside of the post with the goalkeeper beaten. Mihajlović's team continued their strong performance at the start of the second half, despite an injury to Alex. The second goal for AC Milan came from Philippe Mexès, who replaced the injured Brazilian defender. He perfectly timed his run to meet Bonaventura’s cross, heading the ball past Marchetti. Lazio tried to respond, but Donnarumma kept out Lulić's effort. On 79' AC Milan sealed the game with a counter-attack. Bonaventura launched a pass to Bacca, who beat the goalkeeper and slotted the ball into an empty net for his sixth league goal of the season. Lazio's late goal from Kishna on 85' only affected the stats. AC Milan left the Olimpico with three valuable and deserved points.

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