Five Key Battles To Watch in Atalanta vs Lazio: Speed Demons Collide on the Wing | OneFootball

On Sunday, Atalanta and Lazio will clash heads in the battle of the wounded. With both sides keen to return to winning ways, this promises to be a scintillating meeting in Bergamo.

As is always the case, this sort of contest is decided by marginal details. So here are five interesting duels to keep an eye on, at least based on the expected starting lineups at the time of writing.

Ademola Lookman vs Mario Gila

Mario Gila has been one of the standout performers for Lazio this season, but he endured his worst outing of the campaign against Bologna just before the international break. The Spaniard was dropped last weekend against Torino, but is now expected to reclaim his usual starting spot alongside Alessio Romagnoli.

The former Real Madrid man will be eager to bounce back with a solid display at the back. However, he’ll be facing one of the trickiest opponents a Serie A defender could draw in the shape of Ademola Lookman. The defender cannot afford to have an off-day against the dazzling Atalanta star.

Raoul Bellanova vs Nuno Tavares

Nuno Tavares is widely considered one of the fastest players in the league, but he’s about to meet his match in Raoul Bellanova. This will be a thrilling battle on the wing between two full-backs/wingbacks who relish attacking forays, but could also leave their flank exposed.

Mario Pasalic vs Nicolo Rovella

Nicolo Rovella will have to do without his usual partner-in-crime, as Matteo Guendouzi will be serving a suspension. Matias Vecino will likely get the nod, but it remains to be seen how the Italian international will cope with the change.

For his part, Mario Pasalic is expected to start as an attacking midfielder with the task of pressing the Lazio Regista and giving him very little time and space to maneuver with the ball. On the other hand, Rovella must keep an eye on the Croatian who tends to make timely runs to the box. This one could be particularly crucial for the overall outcome.

Mattia Zaccagni vs Berat Djimsiti

The Lazio captain could find himself against one of the most physically imposing defenders in the league in the shape of Berat Djimsiti. The key for Zaccagni could be either dropping a little deeper or drifting wide to stretch the Atalanta backline.

Isak Hien vs Boulaye Dia

Like Zaccagni, Boulaye Dia risks getting outmuscled by Isak Hien who primarily relies on brute force, so the Senegalese must be clever in his approach.

With Gian Piero Gasperini’s men being renowned for their man-to-man approach, perhaps Dia can drop back to the center of the pitch to draw the big Swede out of his area, thus creating spaces for Gutav Isaksen, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Vecino to attack.