Team form
Milan are coming into this tie on the back of a statement win over arch-rivals Inter Milan last weekend, with Christian Pulisic’s second-half goal moving the Rossoneri up to second.
Massimiliano Allegri’s men boast a record of seven wins, four draws and one defeat in the Serie A, leaving them just two points behind Roma.
Their record against the big teams has been particularly impressive, with victories over Napoli and Roma as well as the win over Inter, and a draw with Juventus.
Lazio have struggled to get a solid run of form going so far this season, with five wins, three draws and four defeats in 12 games, highlighting their inconsistency.
Maurizio Sarri’s men have lost at the San Siro once already this campaign, falling to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Inter earlier this month.
However, a home victory over Leece last week puts them firmly in the hunt for the European spots, as they sit in seventh and just two points behind Juventus.
Head-to-head
AC Milan have had the edge over Lazio in their last five meetings, with three wins, a draw and a sole defeat.
But the Biancocelesti ended a losing streak against Milan that dated back to the 2020/21 season, when the sides last met in this fixture back in March.
A 98th-minute penalty from former Chelsea winger Pedro secured the three points in a dramatic 2-1 victory at San Siro.
In fact, Milan failed to win either of their matchups against Lazio last season. The other ended 2-2, with Rafael Leao snatching a late equaliser in Rome.
Team news
Zachary Athekame picked up a calf injury while representing Switzerland under-21s and looks set to remain sidelined for this fixture.
However, Santiago Gimenez could return for the first time since picking up an ankle injury at the end of October, which will be a welcome boost in attack for Allegri.
Lazio’s injury list is a far greater concern. Sarri is without a string of players, including Nicolo Rovella, Valentine Castellianos, and Matteo Cancellieri, out of action.
Taty Castellanos could return, though, and his two goals and three assists in six games before injury make him a threat to the hosts.
Key stats
Both sides have strong defensive records in Serie A this season, each conceding 0.8 goals per game on average.
Milan have a slightly better offensive record, scoring 1.5 goals on average compared to Lazio’s 1.3.
Christian Pulisic is Milan’s biggest threat, scoring five goals and providing two assists in eight Serie A games.
Both sides have averaged 1.6 cards per game this campaign.
Prediction
Milan require consistency if they are to challenge for the Serie A title, as they haven’t won back-to-back games since a run of four victories in the first five games of the season.
But this is a chance for Allegri’s men to start gathering momentum, and they should have a very big chance to pick up another crucial three points.
