
After a stellar year – which saw them lift the Europa League title – Atalanta are eager to close out 2024 on a high. But they face a formidable challenge in Lazio, a side that’s been in red-hot form throughout the latter half of the year. With only six points separating these two Serie A powerhouses, Saturday night’s showdown in Rome promises to be an electrifying encounter. Buckle up—this one has all the makings of a classic.
Atalanta have been the surprise package of 2024, capturing headlines and hearts across Europe. Winning their first-ever European title was already historic, but sitting atop the Serie A standings after 17 games? That’s a whole new level of remarkable. Despite parting ways with some of their top talent, La Dea have assembled a squad capable of not only fighting for the Scudetto but also competing on the European stage. Their domestic form has been nothing short of sensational. Unbeaten (domestically) since late September, Atalanta are on a 13-game unbeaten streak that screams title contenders. At the center of this fairy-tale run is Gian Piero Gasperini, a tactical genius who’s finally earning the widespread recognition he deserves for transforming Bergamo’s beloved club into a genuine powerhouse. If Atalanta secure a win on Saturday, they’ll close out the year leading Serie A—a dream scenario that few would’ve dared to imagine just months ago.
On the other hand, Lazio are quietly having a season to remember. The Biancocelesti find themselves in fourth place in Serie A, just six points behind league leaders Atalanta. Their Europa League campaign has been equally impressive, with 16 points from six games placing them comfortably at the top of the standings. For the first time in the club's history, Lazio have managed an incredible 17 wins in their opening 24 matches across all competitions—a testament to their consistency and ambition this season.
However, not everything has been smooth sailing. Earlier this month, Marco Baroni's side endured a harsh reality check when reigning champions Inter Milan handed them a humbling 6-0 defeat at the Stadio Olimpico—a bitter pill to swallow for a team aiming to compete at the top. With the gap to the summit sitting at just six points, Lazio have a golden opportunity to end the year on a high. A victory over Atalanta would not only reignite their title hopes but also give their fans a perfect New Year’s Eve celebration.
Date: 29th December 2024
Time: 1:15 AM (IST)
Stadium: Stadio Olimpico
Location: Rome, Italy
Provedel; Marusic, Gila, Romagnoli, Tavares; Guendouzi, Rovella; Isaksen, Dia, Zaccagni; Castellanos.
Carnesecchi; Kossounou, Hien, Kolasinac; Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Ruggeri; Pasalic, Lookman; De Ketelaere.
Goalkeeper: Marco Carnesecchi (Atalanta)
Defenders: Raul Bellanova (Atalanta), Nuno Tavares (Lazio), Matteo Ruggeri (Atalanta)
Midfielders: Ederson (Atalanta), Mattia Zaccagni (Lazio), Mario Pasalic (Atalanta), Gustav Isaksen (Lazio)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta), Taty Castellanos (Lazio)
Choice 1: Charles De Ketelaere (C), Ademola Lookman (VC)
Choice 2: Mattia Zaccagni (C), Taty Castellanos (VC)
The author has provided you with the above-mentioned match prediction on the basis of his research, understanding, and analysis, consider the points and make your own decision.
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