Five Key Battles in AC Milan vs Lazio: Compatriots Collide in Midfield | OneFootball

Over the next five days, Milan and Lazio will share the pitch twice, beginning with Saturday’s Serie A clash at San Siro.

This will certainly be an ultra-tactical battle between Massimiliano Allegri and Maurizio Sarri, two Tuscan managers with opposite philosophies, who began as Serie C opponents and went on to challenge one another for Scudetto titles at one point.

Nevertheless, the outcome will be decided by the 22 players who will be engaged in battles all over the green turf. So let’s take a closer look at five interesting duels that we expect to take place at the Meazza based on the probable lineups.

Strahinja Pavlovic vs Gustav Isaksen

Strahinja Pavlovic may be one of the strongest Serie A defenders from a physical standpoint, but this season, he’s been showcasing some surprising attacking abilities while constantly making runs towards the opposition’s box.

On the other hand, Gusav Isaksen has been in fine form as of late, and will be looking to exploit any spaces the Serbian leaves at the back, especially with the Biancocelesti heavily relying on counterattacks in their meetings against top clubs.

Adrien Rabiot vs Matteo Guendouzi

Adrien Rabiot and Matteo Guendouzi have so many common aspects, whether in terms of nationality, positioning, playing attributes, or their stint at Olympique Marseille.

While the Milan star is a well-established French national, who already has a guaranteed place in the French national team, the Lazio man still has everything to prove, and he’ll be looking to present his case by outdoing his countryman while knowing that Didier Deschamps will certainly be watching.

Luka Modric vs Toma Basic

This is yet another interesting midfield between two compatriots, albeit with contrasting career paths. Although he has only recently celebrated his 29th birthday, Toma Basic might be the biggest revelation in Lazio’s campaign.

The way he bounced back from irrelevancy to become an automatic starter in Sarri’s lineup has been genuinely inspiring, and prevailing over the legendary Luka Modric would only add another glorious chapter to the tale. If he can derange the Milan playmaker and prevent him from pulling the strings in midfield, it would be mission accomplished for the Lazio comeback kid.

Alexis Saelemaekers vs Luca Pellegrini

Alexis Saelemaekers hasn’t always earned the credit he deserves, but the fans are growing to appreciate his talent, hard work and tenacity as of late. The Belgian will be keen to cause havoc on the right wing, but Luca Pellegrini knows he has no room for error, especially with Nuno Tavares and Manuel Lazzari breathing down his neck.

The former Juventus man must try to keep his opponent at bay, and simultaneously contribute to the attacking phase, as Mattia Zaccagni will need all the help he can get on the left wing.

Rafael Leao vs Mario Gila

This might be the most compelling battle of all, as it pits the league’s flashiest attacker against one of the most reliable defenders Serie A has to offer. Moreover, Milan’s reported interest in Gila will add an interesting side-plot to this duel.

If the Spaniard can prevail over Rafa Leao, perhaps he will finally win over some of the naysayers.