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Team News
Edy Reja, the coach of Lazio, faces a selection nightmare against Atletico, as no less than four of his regular starters will miss the game, these being Tomasso Rocchi, Stefano Mauri, Andre Dias and Lorik Cana. Other players that are in doubt, but have yet to be completely ruled out include the injured pair of Stefan Radu and Senad Lulic.
But the good news for Lazio is that they will welcome the return of Mobido Diakite, who was suspended for the Serie A clash with Cesena on the weekend.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone will be able to count with a full-strength squad on his return to the Stadio Olimpico, where he played for Lazio between 1999 and 2003. Simeone will reinforce his defense with the South American duo of Miranda and Diego Godin.
While Lazio will be inspired by the attacking flair of Hernanes and Miroslav Klose, the visitors will rely on the services of Diego and Colombian scoring-machine Radamel Falcao Garcia as they intend to return to Spain with a positive result in the first leg of the Round of 32 stage of the Europa League.
Form
Atletico Madrid have won 8 of their last 10 games in the Europa League, and finished top of Group I in their current campaign, with four wins, one draw and a loss from six matches. Lazio, on the other hand, finished second of Group D, with two wins, three draws and one loss. Both teams have been in equally impressive form in their domestic competitions this year, something which suggests that it will likely be a very entertaining affair.
Head-to-head
The last time the two teams met was during a friendly match back in August of 2007 corresponding to the LG Amsterdam Tournament. Atletico Madrid won the game 3-1 courtesy of goals from Braulio, Raul Garcia and Jose Antonio Reyes. While Stefano Mauri scored Lazio's lone goal.
Los Rojiblancos were the first winners of the rebranded Europa League, when they defeated Fulham 2-1 in the final in 2010 thanks to two goals from now-Inter Milan striker Diego Forlan.
Prediction
Both Lazio and Atletico have been in top form in recent outings, and will surely play their hearts out in what should be an action-packed encounter at the Stadio Olimpico. Expect many goals in a game which will likely be decided by a moment of individual brilliance.
The Verdict:
