Lazio-Atalanta: Sarri opts for Maldini in attack, Palladino backs Krstović — official lineups
Kickoff this afternoon (ET) at the Stadio Olimpico will see Lazio and Atalanta face off in a fixture heavy with seasonal implications. Maurizio Sarri has confirmed a 4-3-3 that features Lorenzo Maldini in the front three, while Gian Piero Palladino responds with a 3-4-2-1 shape and Rasmus Krstović leading the line.
Confirmed lineups
Lazio (4-3-3): Provedel; Marušić, Gila, Provstgaard, Tavares; Dele-Bashiru, Cataldi, Taylor; Isaksen, Maldini, Noslin. Head coach: Sarri.
Atalanta (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Djimsiti, Ahanor; Zappacosta, De Roon, Ederson, Bernasconi; Samardzic, Zalewski; Krstović. Head coach: Palladino.
Tactical setup and early clues
Sarri's selection signals a clear intention to keep the ball and press through the flanks. The 4-3-3 balances an industrious midfield trio with wide pace on the wings: Isaksen and Noslin will look to stretch Atalanta's three-man defense while Maldini occupies central channels and attempts to link with the midfield.
Palladino's switch to three at the back provides defensive cover and allows wing-backs Zappacosta and Bernasconi to supply width. The 3-4-2-1 provides natural protection for Krstović, who will be supported by Samardzic and Zalewski in the half-spaces; De Roon and Ederson are expected to give physicality and control in the middle.
Player focus: Isaksen and Dele-Bashiru
Isaksen arrives in confident mood and has underlined the game's importance: "Today is fundamental for our season, " he said in the pre-match media. He added that the team will play with confidence and that there is still room to "fix the season" — a message that puts responsibility on the attacking unit to deliver immediate returns.
Dele-Bashiru's inclusion in the starting midfield also merits attention. Given his energy and box-to-box propensity, he can be pivotal in linking defence and attack, pressing Atalanta's deep midfielders and creating transitions for Lazio's front three.
Atalanta adjustments and injury context
Atalanta will be without De Ketelaere, who has undergone knee surgery and is sidelined. There is cautious optimism around Scamacca, who has trained partially with the group but has not forced a starting place. That opens the door for Krstović to continue as the club's reference forward after an impactful recent performance.
De Roon returns from suspension and slots straight back into the engine room, offering leadership and experience that will be key if Atalanta are to control midfield phases. Ahanor returns from his own absence and is selected among the back three, although earlier match build-up hinted at alternatives for Palladino if a different balance is preferred.
What’s at stake
Beyond the three points, this clash feels like a litmus test for both clubs. For Lazio, a win would provide momentum and a sense of repair in a campaign still very much alive. For Atalanta, the match is another step in a congested calendar that includes cup commitments; sustaining league form remains a priority.
Fans at the Olimpico and viewers tuning in this afternoon (ET) should expect a competitive and tactically nuanced contest, with small margins likely to decide which side takes home a crucial victory.
