Serie A Matchday 17: AC Milan Has No Time for Reunions with Pippo, How Can Lazio Overcome Their Attacking Slump?

The Serie A season continues with its 17th round of matches, with AC Milan keen to shift their focus back to domestic success following their exit from the Champions League. Meanwhile, Lazio struggles to find their form in front of goal, making for an intriguing set of fixtures.

Salernitana vs. AC Milan - No Time for Sentimentality

Filippo Inzaghi, affectionately known as Pippo, took over as Salernitana's head coach in October and has overseen eight matches since. Despite remaining at the bottom of the table, Salernitana has achieved their first win of the season under his leadership. They are currently five points away from safety, not an insurmountable gap given that Salernitana managed to stay up in the 2021-2022 season after securing just eight points from their first 16 matches.

However, a 4-1 collapse against Atalanta last week, after leading at halftime, highlighted their ongoing struggles. Breaking a losing habit is incredibly challenging, and while Pippo excelled at this as a player, it’s an entirely different matter as a coach.

AC Milan, on the other hand, showed no signs of a Champions League hangover in their previous Serie A match, confidently defeating Monza 3-0 at home. The standout moment was 18-year-old Davide Simic scoring on his Serie A debut, having come on as a substitute for the injured Tommaso Pobega. This was a bright spot in what has been a tough season, offering fans a glimpse of hope in the form of emerging young talent.

Despite the victory, there were areas of concern for Milan. Rafael Leao, usually a key player, was off his game, displaying more of his lazy tendencies rather than his usual brilliance. His left-wing attacks were frequently ineffective, and his coordination with teammates seemed disjointed. His solitary assist was a result of brute force rather than skill, raising hopes that he will return to form after a week’s rest.

Salernitana has managed to take points off Milan in recent seasons, with Mexican legend Guillermo Ochoa’s stellar performances being pivotal in their successful bid to avoid relegation last season. However, Ochoa has not been at his best this term, and Milan is unlikely to extend any favors to their former hero Inzaghi. A 2-1 away victory for Milan seems likely.

Empoli vs. Lazio - The Price of Champions League Progress

For a smaller team like Empoli, a temporary stay in the relegation zone is not cause for panic. They are currently just one point away from safety and would love to be out of the drop zone by Christmas. In their last match, Empoli fell to Torino after Colombian striker Duván Zapata scored the only goal of the game. Given Empoli’s league-worst attack, coming from behind to score against a defensively strong side like Torino was always going to be a tall order, and they ultimately suffered another defeat.

Lazio, meanwhile, are facing a critical juncture. Their impressive Champions League campaign has come at a cost, potentially missing out on European competition next season. Following a comprehensive home defeat to league leaders Inter Milan, Lazio is now 11th in the table, six points adrift of the European spots. Despite creating more chances than Inter, Lazio failed to convert, a recurring theme this season.

The Blue Eagles have historically fared well against Empoli, scoring at least two goals in each of their last few encounters and winning on the road. However, given their current attacking woes, Empoli might capitalize on this opportunity to claim a 1-0 home victory through sheer determination.

AC Milan's Determination to Dominate

AC Milan’s relentless focus on Serie A following their Champions League exit is evident. With their last league outing ending in a 3-0 triumph over Monza, the Rossoneri are determined to stay in the title race. Young Davide Simic’s debut goal adds a feel-good factor to their campaign, but concerns over Rafael Leao’s form persist. The Portuguese forward’s lackluster performance against Monza highlighted a need for improvement if Milan are to sustain their domestic push.

Salernitana’s struggles under Filippo Inzaghi are stark, with a recent 4-1 defeat to Atalanta underlining their defensive frailties. Despite a spirited start to the match, they crumbled in the second half, a worrying trend for Pippo’s side. Salernitana’s historic ability to snatch points from Milan, aided by Ochoa’s heroics, seems unlikely to repeat given their current form. Milan's attacking prowess, led by emerging talents like Simic, suggests a 2-1 win for the visitors.

Lazio's Search for Solutions

Lazio’s European exploits have undoubtedly taken a toll on their domestic form. Sitting 11th in the league and six points off the European places, the Biancocelesti must find a way to balance their ambitions. Their inability to convert chances against Inter Milan was emblematic of their season so far, with the likes of Ciro Immobile and Mattia Zaccagni failing to find the net.

Empoli, despite their position in the relegation zone, are within touching distance of safety. Their last match against Torino ended in defeat, highlighting their struggles in front of goal. However, facing a misfiring Lazio presents an opportunity for Empoli to exploit. Their tenacity and home advantage could see them grind out a narrow 1-0 victory, capitalizing on Lazio’s current vulnerability.

Tactical Shifts and Player Performances

AC Milan’s tactical setup has been relatively stable, with Stefano Pioli sticking to his preferred formation. The integration of young players like Simic is a testament to Milan’s youth development strategy. However, Rafael Leao’s inconsistency remains a concern. The winger’s lack of cohesion with his teammates and low success rate in dribbles must be addressed if Milan are to maintain their challenge for the Scudetto.

Salernitana, under Inzaghi, have shown flashes of potential but remain rooted to the bottom. Pippo’s tactical adjustments have yielded mixed results, and the defensive collapse against Atalanta underscored the need for greater stability. The team’s morale, following a brief resurgence, has dipped again, and a matchup against a resurgent Milan side poses a significant challenge.

Lazio’s tactical approach under Maurizio Sarri has been fluid, with an emphasis on possession and chance creation. However, the finishing touch has been sorely lacking. Immobile, once a reliable goal scorer, has struggled for form, and the supporting cast has not stepped up adequately. Sarri’s challenge will be to reinvigorate his attack and find a way to translate possession into goals.

Empoli’s tactical discipline and defensive resilience will be key against Lazio. Their struggles in attack are well-documented, but a solid defensive performance could frustrate Lazio and provide a platform for a crucial victory. The ability to stay compact and hit on the counterattack might be their best bet to secure all three points.

Conclusion

As Serie A enters its 17th round, AC Milan and Lazio face contrasting challenges. Milan, buoyed by young talents and a clear focus on the league, aim to continue their winning ways against a struggling Salernitana. Lazio, meanwhile, must overcome their attacking slump to keep their European hopes alive. Empoli’s resilience and Salernitana’s fight for survival add further intrigue to a pivotal weekend of Italian football.