Serie A Round 22: AC Milan’s Fatigue Crisis Deepens, While Lazio’s Red Card Streak Raises Eyebrows

The 22nd round of Serie A promises to be a pivotal one for teams vying for European spots and those battling relegation. AC Milan find themselves grappling with a severe fatigue crisis, while Lazio’s bizarre trend of red cards in every match this year adds an unexpected twist to their fixture against Fiorentina. With the season entering its decisive phase, both clubs face high-stakes challenges that could define their campaigns.

AC Milan vs Parma: Can Kyle Walker Solve Milan’s Fatigue Crisis?

AC Milan's January has been nothing short of grueling. After their exhaustive efforts in the Italian Super Cup, the Rossoneri returned to Serie A looking physically drained, a vulnerability that was fully exploited by Juventus in their recent defeat. That loss left Milan trailing fourth place by eight points, a worrying gap as the league approaches its final third. If Milan aspire to secure a Champions League spot next season, their margin for error is rapidly diminishing.

The primary culprit behind Milan's struggles is their thin squad depth, which has been exposed during this congested period. The Super Cup exertions left the players depleted, and by the time they faced Juventus, they simply couldn’t keep pace, particularly in the second half. Unlike their Turin rivals, Milan lacks the luxury of a deep bench. When key players underperform or succumb to injuries, the drop in quality is stark. The absence of Christian Pulisic in the attack, for example, has robbed Milan of a crucial goal-scoring outlet, leaving Rafael Leão and Olivier Giroud to shoulder an unsustainable burden.

Adding to the complexity is Milan’s involvement in the Champions League. Their midweek fixture against Girona provided a temporary respite, as the Spanish side posed little threat. However, this double-header in Europe during January—a rarity for Milan—has further strained the squad. Even the high-profile acquisition of Kyle Walker from Manchester City might not be enough to offset these issues. While Walker’s arrival brings much-needed defensive reinforcement and experience, he cannot single-handedly resolve Milan’s systemic fatigue problems.

Parma’s Survival Battle: A Tough Nut to Crack

On the other side, Parma is entrenched in a battle for survival. Sitting just one point above the relegation zone, every match is a must-win for them. Their recent 1-1 draw against fellow strugglers Venezia showcased both their resilience and tactical adaptability. After falling behind, Parma’s coach Fabio Pecchia made astute tactical adjustments, intensifying the midfield press and reorganizing their attacking shape. The result was a penalty that allowed them to salvage a crucial point.

Parma’s ability to adjust on the fly will be key against Milan. While their defensive frailties are apparent, they’ve shown a knack for exploiting opponents’ vulnerabilities—something Milan has in abundance right now. If Milan’s fatigue continues to impact their tempo and coherence, Parma could capitalize, especially if they replicate the high-pressing strategy that unsettled Venezia.

What’s at Stake for Milan?

For Stefano Pioli and his men, this match represents a turning point. Falling further behind in the race for the top four would be catastrophic, especially considering Milan's early-season ambitions. The Rossoneri faithful, accustomed to seeing their team compete at the highest level, will be expecting a response. The return of Pulisic remains uncertain, but even if he features, Milan’s success hinges on whether they can overcome the physical toll of their congested schedule.

Milan’s situation is precarious: their Champions League hopes hang by a thread, and their domestic form is crumbling under the weight of fatigue and injuries. Kyle Walker’s presence might solidify the defense, but unless Milan finds a way to rejuvenate their midfield and frontline, they risk further slipping into mediocrity.

Lazio vs Fiorentina: Will the Red Card Trend Continue?

While Milan battles physical exhaustion, Lazio's season has taken on a bizarre narrative of its own. Every match they’ve played in 2025 has featured at least one red card—a streak that has both puzzled and benefited them in equal measure. In their first two matches of the year, Lazio were the ones reduced to ten men. However, in their last two fixtures, it was their opponents who saw red, and Lazio capitalized on the numerical advantage to devastating effect, scoring three goals in each of those games and securing comfortable victories.

Their latest 3-0 triumph over Hellas Verona was a testament to their attacking prowess. Jens Gijotto, Boulaye Dia, and Mattia Zaccagni were all instrumental, not just finding the back of the net but also creating numerous dangerous opportunities. Dia, in particular, showcased his versatility, combining blistering pace with precise finishing. His run and finish off a Guedioura long ball was a highlight, while his assist for Zaccagni demonstrated his growing influence in Lazio’s attack.

In midfield, Mattéo Guendouzi and Nicolo Rovella have provided the creative spark and control needed to dominate games. Their ability to dictate the tempo has allowed Lazio to shift seamlessly from defense to attack, a crucial factor in their recent run of form.

Fiorentina’s Defensive Frailties: Can They Hold Firm?

Fiorentina comes into this fixture with their own set of challenges. Their last match against Torino followed a similar pattern to Lazio’s recent games—Torino were reduced to ten men, and Fiorentina quickly capitalized, establishing a lead within five minutes of the red card. However, unlike Lazio, Fiorentina failed to put the game to bed. Despite numerous attacking threats, they struggled to contain Torino’s counterattacks and were eventually punished by a catastrophic defensive blunder that allowed the opposition to equalize.

This defensive inconsistency has been a recurring theme for Vincenzo Italiano’s side. While their offensive flair is undeniable, their inability to maintain defensive solidity has cost them vital points. Against a Lazio side that thrives on exploiting defensive lapses, Fiorentina will need to tighten up at the back.

Historically, Fiorentina has fared well against Lazio at home, securing two victories over the Biancocelesti last year. However, their last win at the Stadio Olimpico dates back nine years, a statistic that underscores the difficulty of the task ahead.

Lazio’s European and Domestic Charge

Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio are thriving on multiple fronts, balancing their Serie A and European commitments with relative ease. Their ability to rotate the squad effectively has been a key factor in maintaining consistency across competitions. This fixture against Fiorentina represents another opportunity to solidify their position in the league and continue their momentum in Europe.

Given Lazio’s recent form and Fiorentina’s defensive vulnerabilities, Sarri’s men are likely to approach this match with confidence. However, the bizarre trend of red cards adds an unpredictable element to the game. Whether this pattern continues remains to be seen, but it has undeniably influenced Lazio’s recent results.

Key Takeaways and What to Watch

1. AC Milan’s Fatigue Crisis: Milan’s overexertion in the Supercoppa Italiana has left them physically depleted, and the thin squad depth is being brutally exposed. With Champions League fixtures piling on the pressure, Milan’s ability to manage their resources will be crucial against Parma.

2. Kyle Walker’s Impact: The Englishman’s arrival offers defensive solidity, but Milan’s issues run deeper. Can Walker provide the leadership and stability needed to navigate this challenging period?

3. Parma’s Tactical Flexibility: Fabio Pecchia’s ability to adapt in-game has kept Parma competitive. Against a fatigued Milan side, Parma’s pressing and counter-attacking strategies could prove decisive.

4. Lazio’s Red Card Streak: Four games, four red cards. Lazio has shown they can exploit these situations effectively. Will this strange trend continue against Fiorentina?

5. Fiorentina’s Defensive Inconsistency: Despite their attacking prowess, Fiorentina’s defensive frailties have cost them dearly. Against Lazio’s in-form attack, can they hold firm?

As Serie A’s 22nd round unfolds, the stakes couldn’t be higher. AC Milan and Lazio face different challenges, but both know that anything less than victory could have far-reaching consequences. Whether it’s Milan’s battle against fatigue or Lazio’s curious flirtation with red cards, fans are in for an exciting weekend of Italian football.