AC MILAN v LAZIO: THE BRIEFING

San Siro is preparing to host another big match. Fresh from the fine victory over Cagliari, Pioli’s Rossoneri await Sarri’s Lazio for Matchday 7 of Serie A. A long-awaited and significant match, during which the Milanese crowd's contribution will be important - as always. With our in-depth analysis, we try to identify three keys to the challenge between the Rossoneri and the Biancocelesti.

ONE-V-ONE ON THE WINGS
Same formation, similar attitude and characteristics. Stefano Pioli's and Maurizio Sarri's formations will line up with a 4-3-3 based on possession, vertical play and, above all, the thrust and creativity of the attacking players. The two teams will persistently try to isolate their wingers one-on-one with the opposing full-back - to free their creativity and imagination. In the attacking phase, a key to unlocking the Biancocelesti rearguard could be to win the duels on the flank, communicate with teammates to not permit overloads and sprint at speed. Defensively, on the other hand, it will be crucial not to allow space behind the defensive line, especially considering Immobile's ability to drop in support and trigger the wide players’ runs. The spotlight will be on Rafa Leão, who was only brought on in the final minutes of the match in Cagliari, and Zaccagni, the Biancocelesti's leading scorer so far this season. But the two teams have plenty of options across their attacking lines to make an impact and bring home all three points from San Siro.

FORWARD RUNS, PHYSICALITY AND FITNESS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PITCH
The match between AC Milan and Lazio comes at an intense time for both sides, who are also involved in the Champions League and will play their fifth match in 15 days on Saturday 30 September. Due to their poor start in Serie A, Sarri has alternated fewer players than Pioli, who has instead rotated more, giving minutes to several players in his squad. For both, maintaining the same vigour observed in recent outings will be the real challenge, and so much will depend on the physical and athletic condition of the midfield men. Physicality and forward runs from their midfielders, in fact, are basic principles for both teams. It's no coincidence that last year AC Milan took the lead through Bennacer - on Giroud's lay off - who won the ball back high and continued his run to finish. Compared to last season's duo, the forward runners will be different: the Rossoneri have changed their team and added legs and presence in Loftus-Cheek and Reijnders above all, while the Biancocelesti, with Kamada or Guendouzi in place of Milinković-Savić, have adjusted their attack. Quicker and more technical the former, more intense and combative the latter. Support and offensive incisiveness, this is what the two coaches will upon their midfield for. Possession is the right weapon to make up for the fatigue of the busy schedule, but the physicality and strength of the midfielders could prove decisive.

CHARACTER AND INTELLIGENT PRESSURE
Lazio, like AC Milan, distinguish themselves for their excellent ability to play out of the opposition press with quick triangles and exchanges in tight spaces. In order to counter this quality of the Biancocelesti, Mister Pioli's team will have to come armed with an almost perfect coordination and understanding between the departments, necessary to find the right times to press and be well timed in anticipation and closing down.  AC Milan vs Lazio looks set to be a tactical contest that could remain very balanced, so a single act of carelessness could tip the needle to one of the two sides, directing the outcome of the match. The Rossoneri and the Biancocelesti will have two options to neutralise the opponent's tactics: attack strong and with impetus, risking leaving gaps in defence, or wait patiently, trying to capitalise on moments. Over the course of the match, there will be space to take it slow and then accelerate: constant attention will be required. All eleven players - and more - involved on the pitch must show sacrifice and the will to go beyond in both phases. Regardless of the tactical themes, compactness and the will to get the three points will be guiding factors.

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