When: Sunday January 21, 20:30 (CET)

Where: Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy

BACKGROUND

Whenever Milan venture to Rome to take on Lazio, it is always special.  For some reason, these two sides seem to give their absolute best when playing each other.  But beyond the final result of this match will also be the undertones of one very large off-the-field issue.

Previous matches between these clubs have been the stuff of legend, with the rare exception being last season’s scoreless draw in Rome.  Some classic goals have been scored, and many legendary players have performed in this fixture.  Names like Silvio Piola and Giorgio Chinaglia come to mind for Lazio, while Milan were able to field their own legends, such as Gianni Rivera and Marco Van Basten, not to mention all of the current greats in this encounter.

The match this Sunday should be no different than what has taken place before.  In the opening match of this season, Milan defeated Lazio 2-1 in Milan.  Both sides challenged the goal on numerous occasions, and appeared to be in good form, despite the lack of match fitness. 

The possible transfer of Massimo Oddo looms large over this match.  There has been talk of his impending departure from Lazio to join Milan ever since last season, especially given his ties to the Rossoneri (he came up in the Milan youth ranks).  The discussions over his transfer have pretty much gone from civil to heated, and no one knows for sure if he will get his wish of rejoining Milan after all these years.  

CURRENT FORM

Lazio (L W D, 26 points)

The Biancocelesti are in joint-fourth place with Catania, and will have an opportunity to secure this spot for themselves alone should Catania slip in their match against Cagliari on Sunday. 

The attack has been led by Tommaso Rocchi, who has seven goals on the season.  He has not been the only player on form, however.  Massimo Oddo, Goran Pandev and Stefano Mauri have chipped-in five goals apiece.  

Milan (W W W, 23 points)

Milan are in their best form of the season, with the goals finally starting to flow as they did last term.  Three consecutive victories have been highlighted by their nine goals scored (three in each) and only one conceded.

The squad is finally starting to play cohesively, and their determination is very evident.  A win over Lazio could see them jump up to fourth place, depending on what happens to the sides between them and the fourth spot.  

TEAM NEWS

Lazio will field a full squad.  Well, almost.  Guglielmo Stendardo is suspended, but Sebastiano Siviglia returns from his own suspension.  

Milan do not have any players suspended, but again have many injuries to deal with.  Kakhaber Kaladze and Kakà are not totally fit, although the latter will be decided on likely very close to kickoff time.  Alessandro Nesta and Serginho are missing from the defense for sure, while reserve ‘keeper Zeljko Kalac has a knee problem.

Fortunately, first-choice netminder Nelson Dida has returned to fitness, and may be fielded.  If not, then expect to see Marco Storari between the posts, who was recently signed from Messina.  

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Tommaso Rocchi (Lazio) – He runs tirelessly, and that is bad news for the Milan defense, who have had spells of poor play throughout the season.

Alberto Gilardino (Milan) – He has caught fire, and should continue this rich vein of form, having scored five goals in the last four matches.  

POSSIBLE STARTING XI’s

Lazio (4-4-2): Peruzzi; Oddo, Cribari, Siviglia, Zauri; Mudingayi, Ledesma, Mutarelli, Mauri; Rocchi, Pandev

Milan (4-3-1-2): Dida; Cafu, Bonera, Maldini, Jankulovski; Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf; Kakà; Oliveira, Gilardino  

PREDICTION

Well, first of all, it will be exciting and filled with attacking movements.  Second, a number of yellow cards will be handed out, for sure.  Finally, comes the prognostication.  Having not lost away to Lazio since 1998, now is not the time for Milan to buck this trend, and they should be able to add another three points to their tally.