Preview: Both sides seeking revival after disappointing start
Both Milan and Lazio have had difficult starts to the new season and will be hoping that a win on Wednesday can kick start their campaign. Hosts AC Milan after losing against Parma courtesy of a last ditch goal by Marco Parolo, have slipped down to tenth place in the league table.
Following the match coach Massimo Allegri singled out troubled striker Mario Balotelli for criticism, claiming that the Italian international failed to follow the instructions given out by the head coach.
“He’s got to play better,” Allegri said according to ESPN.
“His performance was not good today. I needed a striker who attacked more in the penalty area and I took him off, also because he was getting nervous and had already been booked.”
“Mario has got to do the centre-forward position better -- he’s got the quality for it,” Allegri said. “When you have a bad day, then you can be substituted. Everybody can be substituted.”
His replacement Alessandro Matri had an instant impact on the game with the former Juventus man notching up a goal for his side which was doubled within two minutes by Matías Silvestre in the 63rd minute. Much for a spirited comeback, Milan were outdone by a Marco Parolo freekick which found its way beyond goalkeeper Gabriel, with Milan still searching for their first away victory of the season.
Their form at home however has been more convincing, with all of Milan’s three victories in the league coming at home turf. The Rossoneri side will thus be more confident of a victory as they make a return to the San Siro and will be hoping to make their dismal run come to an end with a victory over Lazio.
Milan will have history on their side, with Lazio not having scored a win over their counterparts at the San Siro in the last 24 years. Last time Lazio got the better of Milan at San Siro was back in September 1989 when Paolo Maldini's own goal earned the Biancocelesti a victory.
After a promising start to the season which saw them winning three of their first five matches, Lazio have now slipped down to seventh placed in the league table having managed just a single win in their last six matches in all competitions.
In their last Serie A outing, Vladimir Petković’s men scored a convincing 2-0 victory over Cagliari and will be hoping to continue the momentum in the match against Milan.
Petković however will be without winger Senad Lulic (thigh), whereas defenders Andre Dias (knee) and Vinicius (hamstring) will also not feature on Wednesday.
Milan on the other hand will continue to be without star forward Stephan El Shaarawy whose absence is sorely felt at the San Siro. Giampaolo Pazzini (knee) along with defenders Philippe Mexes (suspension), Daniele Bonera (knee) and Matias Silvestre (calf) will also miss the tie.
Where to watch the match – live stream, start time, TV channels, Live scores
Watch AC Milan vs Lazio live on Wedensday, October 30, 2013:
In Canada at 15:45 on beIN Sport Play Canada
In UK at 19:45 BST on BT Sport 2
In USA at 15:45 ET on beIN Sport Play
Fans based in Italy can watch the match live on Sky Calcio 2 and Sky Sport 1 HD Italia.
For complete details of match listings and live scores, visit the AC Milan vs Lazio match page.
