Serie A 2019/20: Atalanta vs Lazio

In what was expected to be one of the most intriguing tactical battles in the Serie A this season between Atalanta and Lazio, it certainly did not disappoint. With Lazio aiming to put pressure on league leaders Juventus, and Atalanta looking to ensure UEFA Champions League qualification next season, there was all to play for at the Gewiss stadium.

Lazio could not have asked for a better start to the game after going 2-0 up in the first 11 minutes, however, it was Atalanta who maintained their composure and sustained an attacking threat throughout the game ending with an xG of 2.22 compared to Lazio’s 0.47 from which they were rewarded, turning the game around and winning 3-2.

This tactical analysis will dissect how both teams approached the game, and examine Lazio’s attempts to nullify Atalanta using a 5-3-2 formation, as well as how Atalanta managed to eventually overcome this through their notorious rotations, and creative play.

Lineups

Atalanta (3-4-2-1): Opting for two attacking midfielders and one striker, Duván Zapata lead the line with Alejandro Gómez and Ruslan Malinovskiy behind him. As expected, wing-backs Hans Hateboer and Robin Gosens would be heavily involved in attacking play and Remo Freuler and Marten de Roon played as supporting central midfielders. A back three of Berat Djimisiti, José Luis Palomino and Rafael Tolói were in front of goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini.

Lazio (3-5-2): As expected Lazio lined up in their customary 3-5-2 formation with Thomas Strakosha in goal and a back three of Stefan Radu, Francesco Acerbi, and Patric. Jony and Manuel Lazzari played in the wing-back positions with Luis Alberto, Danilo Cataldi, and Sergej Milinković-Savić in the centre of midfield. The front two were Joaquin Correa and Serie A top scorer Ciro Immobile.