AC MILAN v LAZIO: MATCH PREVIEW
Serie A
The games keep on coming thick and fast, the schedule isn't letting up and AC Milan are looking for a change of fortunes. After four draws in their last five league games, the Rossoneri host Lazio at San Siro (15.00 CEST) as they search for a way back into the top four. Motivations are high, against a Sarri side that beat them 4-0 in the reverse fixture: a big performance will be needed from the boys. Here's our preview of the game:
LATEST FROM MILANELLO
After Wednesday's draw with Cremonese, the squad were straight back to work to prepare in the best way possible for this big match in Serie A. Some good news for Coach Pioli is Fikayo Tomori, who was suspended for the last game and had a slight muscular problem after coming off at the Olimpico against Roma, has recovered and is ready to line-up. The English defender could partner up with Malick Thiaw in central defence, who has shown strong performances in recent outings. Compared with the starting 11 against Cremonese, there should be returns for Theo Hernández, Sandro Tonali, Rade Krunić, Rafael Leão and Olivier Giroud. On the right-hand side, there's a decision to be made with Brahim, Saelemaekers and Messias all contending for a starting berth. Certainly out of the game are the injured Ibra and Pobega, and while there are no suspensions, five players are only one booking away from missing the next game: Kalulu, Kjær, Pobega, Rebić and Thiaw.
Pioli on the eve of the game: "It's an important match against Lazio, almost a knockout game, but it also isn't the last one. We still need lots of points. The squad is in good spirits, there's no worry or fear around. I see the lads working hard; they're concentrated and determined. We need to work better and that's what we're searching for. The Club and its management are always supporting us; we all know that this month is a massive one in the season and we're all focused on making it the best one."
LATEST FROM LAZIO
Following two successive defeats to Torino and Inter, Lazio bounced back beating Sassuolo 2-0 at home midweek. Sarri's side consolidated their position among the top-four in the table but will have to do without some midfielders against the Rossoneri, with the injured Cataldi and Vecino both unavailable, giving a second straight starting appearance for Marcos Antônio. Either side of the Brazilian will be the "dribbling team" of Luis Alberto and Milinković-Savić who will support the front trio of Zaccagni, Felipe Anderson and Immobile. Former Rossoneri, Romagnoli, is back and will form a central defensive pairing with Casale. The Biancoceleste, too, have no suspensions, with Cancellieri and Luis Alberto one booking away from missing the next game.
WHERE TO WATCH AC MILAN v LAZIO
In Italy, the match will be broadcast by DAZN. To watch AC Milan vs Lazio in a different country, however, you can consult the section "Where to watch Milan on TV" under "Abroad". On the Rossoneri channels, the appointment is with Milan TV's Matchday where live coverage will start at 13:45 CEST until close to kick-off. After full time, we will have interviews and Coach Pioli's press conference. From 14:55 CEST, there will also be Live Reaction on AC Milan's Twitch channel. Also, not to be missed is the coverage on acmilan.com, AC Milan Official App and our official social media profiles.
LATEST FROM SERIE A
Antonio Rapuano will be in charge of the game and it will be his fourth Rossoneri game of the season (and in his career: Cremonese 0-0 AC Milan, Monza 0-1 AC Milan, and most recently Napoli 0-4 AC Milan on 2 April. Lazio have had three victories when Rapuano has officiated. Meli and Alassio will be his assistants, with Orsato as fourth official. Mazzoleni and Manganiello are on VAR duty.
AC Milan v Lazio will kick-off matchday 34 in Serie A at 15.00 CEST. Following the game is Roma v Inter at 18.00 CEST and to end the day Cremonese v Spezia at 20.45 CEST. Sunday sees a full programme scheduled: at 12.30 CEST, there's Atalanta v Juventus, at 15.00 CEST, Torino v Monza, at 18.00 CEST, Napoli v Fiorentina and at 20.45 CEST, Lecce v Hellas Verona. On Monday there are three games scheduled: Empoli v Salernitana and Udinese v Sampdoria at 18.30, and rounding off the set of fixtures is Sassuolo v Bologna at 20.45 CEST.
Here's the league table: Napoli 80; Lazio 64; Juventus 63; Inter 60; Atalanta, AC Milan and Roma 58; Fiorentina 46; Bologna, Monza and Torino 45; Udinese and Sassuolo 43; Salernitana and Empoli 35; Lecce 31; Spezia and Verona 27; Cremonese 21; Sampdoria 17.
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