Five Key Battles in Lazio vs AC Milan: Zaccagni & Gila Reunite | OneFootball

On Saturday, Lazio will be aiming to preserve their perfect Serie A record when they host fellow undefeated AC Milan.

This will be Gennaro Gattuso’s biggest test to date as Biancocelesti manager, as he prepares to host the club he called home for 14 years. The Calabrian will be engaged in a thrilling tactical battle against his opposite number Ruben Amorim, who is enjoying a positive start to his maiden year in Italian football. Nevertheless, the outcome will be determined by the 22 men on the pitch.

Hence, it’s time to take a closer look at some of the most interesting duels that are expected to take place all over the pitch when Lazio and Milan lock horns at the Stadio Olimpico.

Danilho Doekhi vs Goncalo Ramos

Among Lazio’s seven summer signings, Danilho Doekhi was probably the least exciting arrival, as the fanbase was quick to label him as a depth player rather than a protagonist. Perhaps this will be the case once Josip Sutalo is up and running, but in the meantime, the Dutchman has been solid at the back, forming a good understanding with Oliver Provstgaard.

Danilho Doekhi (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Doekhi has usually been the one entrusted with man-marking the centre-forward, with the Dane offering him support. Therefore, it will be interesting to see how he’ll cope against a Portuguese international and a former PSG striker in Goncalo Ramos.

If the new Lazio defender can keep the Milan hitman quiet, it will make it incredibly difficult for Gattuso to drop him from the starting lineup any time soon.

Nuno Tavares vs Samuel Chukwueze

This will be a thrilling battle on the flank between two players enjoying surprising revivals at their respective clubs. Nuno Tavares has been able to regain his starting spot at Alfonso Pedraza’s expense, while Samuel Chukwueze has rapidly endeared himself to Amorim, who entrusted him with the right wing-back role.

Both players are known for their explosive runs and ability to deliver dangerous crosses to the box, and each will try to exploit the spaces his opposite number could leave at the back.

Reda Belahyane vs Alphadjo Cisse

Alphadjo Cisse has rapidly become the toast of the town at Milanello. The 19-year-old has already scored twice in the first three Serie A rounds, and will be looking to make an impact in his first appearance at the Olimpico.

The young Italian likes to operate in the spaces between the lines, so it will be up to Reda Belahyane to shut down the pockets. The Moroccan has been handed an unexpected run in the starting lineup due to Lazio’s midfield crisis, and he has been making the most of it.

Davide Frattesi vs Yunus Musah

With three goals in as many Serie A appearances, Davide Frattesi has already cemented himself as the Biancocelesti’s ultimate star. The box-to-box midfielder has an almost unmatched ability to time his runs to the box and finish off his chances like a proper hitman.

Davide Frattesi (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

This time, the Inter Milan loanee could find the revitalised Yunus Musah in his way. The USMNT will be charged with tracking Frattesi’s runs, so it remains to be seen if the latter can escape his marker and find his customary path to goal.

Mattia Zaccagni vs Mario Gila

After spending the previous four seasons as teammates, Mattia Zaccagni and Mario Gila know one another inside out. The pair will meet as opponents for the first time in what could transpire as a crucial duel.

Although he has yet to score this season, the Lazio skipper is finding his best form once again, reestablishing himself as the team’s main source of creativity. But this time, he’ll have to get past an old friend who happens to be one of the most complete defenders in Serie A.

A truly captivating battle awaits us.