Lazio to keep dreaming, Milan to find confirmation and above all a more convincing game. After Friday's early match between Venezia and Fiorentina, the fourth day of Serie A gets into full swing today with three matches and above all with the big match of the OlimpicoAt 18pm, Gennaro Gattuso's Biancocelesti, still with full points after three matchdays, will face Ruben Amorim's Rossoneri, stuck on 7 points after the 1-1 draw against Juventus.
Lazio arrives at the match on the wings of enthusiasm after the comeback in Udine and dragged by Davide Frattesi, on target in all three matchdaysAC Milan, on the other hand, are looking for answers, especially in terms of their playing style, after a lackluster performance in Turin. In the background is Gattuso, who will face the club he championed as a player and then as a coach.
Lazio-Milan, Gattuso challenges his past with the Biancocelesti on full points.
Three games and three wins. Lazio enters their first major head-to-head match of the season with 9 points out of 9 and the chance to build on a perfect start. Their latest victory came after a comeback away to Udinese, with Frattesi once again protagonistThe midfielder scored in each of the first three matchdays and immediately took on a central role in the new Lazio. This growth is pleasing to Gattuso, who had strongly desired him: "I spoke to Frattesi often, I called him up even when he wasn't playing consistently. He's got a lively streak when he's fit, he always arrives in the spotlight, and he's always scored important goals." The coach then highlighted the midfielder's transformation: "Now he's a key player; he was in his comfort zone and it clicked. It's right that he made this choice."
GattusoHowever, he doesn't want to be dragged down by the standings. The goal is to build a team with a clear identity, more aggressive and physical than in the recent past. “It's not where we get, but the mentality that matters.”, explained the coach, also aware of the need to improve in the final meters.
The one against Milan will inevitably be a special match for GattusoHe spent most of his playing career with AC Milan, becoming one of the team's icons and winning, among other trophies, two Champions League titles. He then returned to Milan as coach. This time, however, his Lazio team will be on the other side, tasked with maintaining the clean sheet they'd built in the first three matchdays.
The good news of the day before concerns Andrea PinamontiThe center forward has recovered from the ankle bruise he suffered in Udine and has returned to regular training with the group. He will therefore be available and is expected to start from the start in the center of the attack. On the right, Isaksen remains the favorite over Cancellieri, while Zaccagni will complete the attacking trio. In midfield, the choices are practically obligatory. Frattesi will be joined by Belahyane and Taylor, while Rovella remains unavailable. Dele-Bashiru is also affected, as he is not expected to recover in time. However, he has received his first call-up. Diogo leite, who arrived from Union Berlin and was initially destined for the bench. The spotlight will be on Frattesi. Three goals in the first three matchdays and the chance to score for the fourth consecutive match, after becoming one of the symbols of Gattuso's new era.
The excitement over the results will once again be offset by the situation in the stands. The protests by organized Lazio fans continue against AC Milan., despite the team's perfect path. No step back from the Curva, while the Rossoneri will be in large numbers. After the away section is sold out, additional seats have been made available in the South-West Stands.
Milan, Amorim seeks answers after Torino: "We have to be perfect."
If Lazio travels with full points, the Milan arrives at the Olimpico with 7 points and with the need to take a step forward, especially in terms of play. The draw against Juventus confirmed the Rossoneri's solidity, but the performance in Turin wasn't entirely convincing.
Amorim did not hide what was missing"We talked and analyzed what went wrong in the last match: pace, aggression, energy. We lacked these and we want to improve, hopefully starting tomorrow." The philosophy, however, remains unchanged: "I said I want a team that dominates the pitch and always tries to score." Hence the request he made to his players on the eve of the match: "We have to be perfect." The Portuguese coach also had important words for Gattuso: "His is a team with a clear identity and is aggressive; keep an eye on Frattesi. Gattuso is a legend: his passion went beyond his talent, an example for our team too."
In terms of choices, Amorim could change something compared to Juventus. Cissè and Chukwueze are candidates to start from the first minute, while Gonçalo Ramos should remain as the attacking point of reference. Rabiot should continue to operate behind the striker.
Instead, the management of Luka Modric, especially in view of his imminent Europa League debut. Amorim reiterated its importance: "His control of tempo is something we need; when we have possession, it's crucial. When we have the ball, we can't make mistakes, and with Luka, that's easier."
Pulisic, still without minutes this season after his injury, could also get some space. "You'll see him soon, starting tomorrow. I really like him. He's upset because he hasn't played yet, and I like that," Amorim assured.
Probable lineups
Lazio (4-3-3): Mandas; Floriani Mussolini, Doekhi, Provstgaard, Nuno Tavares; Frattesi, Belahyane, Taylor; Isaksen, Pinamonti, Zaccagni. Trainer: Gattuso
Milan (3-4-2-1): Maignan; Gila, De Winter, Pavlovic; Chukwueze, Modric, Musah, Estupinan; Rabiot, Cissè; Gonçalo Ramos. Trainer: Amorim
Atalanta-Cagliari tonight, Sarri looking for redemption
Before the big match at the Olimpico, Serie A Saturday will start at 15 with Genoa-FrosinoneDe Rossi's team is still looking for its first point of the season and cannot afford to underestimate one of the surprises of this start of the championship. Frosinone arrives at Marassi with enthusiasm and with Antonio Raimondo (coming from two consecutive doubles) among the most awaited men.
In the evening the Saturday program will end at 8:45 PM with Atalanta-Cagliari, a clash between two teams tied on six points. Sarri's Goddess is looking for redemption after the defeat against Roma and is trying to give continuity to a new direction still under construction. All eyes are on jonathan rowe, ready to make his debut from the start after coming off the bench at the Olimpico. However, they will face a tough Cagliari side led by Pisacane, determined to maintain their strong start to the season.
Probable lineups
Atalanta (4-3-3): Carnesecchi; Bellanova, Kossounou, Scalvini, Kolasinac; Samardzic, Kessié, Ederson; De Ketelaere, Scamacca, Rowe. Trainer: Sarri
Cagliari (4-3-2-1): Caprile; Zé Pedro, Deiola, Rodriguez, Obert; Romano, Winks, Fazzini; Adopo, Maldini; Mendy. Trainer: Pisacane
