Atalanta — Lazio : Match Preview and Prediction for October 19,2025

Atalanta’s Tactical Continuity Under Jurić

Ivan Jurić’s Atalanta is gradually adjusting to life without Gian Piero Gasperini at the helm. However, the stylistic similarities between the Croatian and Italian coaches mean the hosts haven’t had to drastically alter their active, pressing 3-4-2-1 playing style following Gasperini’s departure to Roma.

Squad Updates and Current Form

Nevertheless, the squad has undergone significant changes that need acclimatization, as the Bergamaschi invested heavily over the summer. Before the October international break, the *Nerazzurri* secured a 2-1 home victory against Club Brugge in the Champions League and drew with Como. While Atalanta currently sits in the Serie A top 6, in my opinion, Jurić’s men will steadily improve. The potential of players like Lookman (back from his eccentricities), Samardžić, Ederson, Musa, Pašalić, and others is immense, and encouragingly, the host’s injury list has significantly shortened. Against Lazio, only Bakker, Bellanova, Kolašinac, and Koussounou will be unavailable (which is half the number of sidelined players before the international break).

Lazio’s Disappointing End to Last Season and Sarri’s Return

Lazio stumbled at the end of last season, missing out on the Champions League, which led to Marco Baroni’s dismissal. This was a debatable decision, as Baroni’s team often played spectacular football for large parts of matches, yet ultimately faltered in crucial moments. Even more puzzling to me is Maurizio Sarri’s return to Rome. His dogmatic approach to football now appears somewhat outdated, and his tactical innovations no longer seem as surprising or effective as they once were.

Current Struggles and Injury Concerns

Unsurprisingly, Lazio has had a disappointing start to the Serie A campaign, currently sitting 13th with three losses in six rounds. It could have been four defeats had the Romans not salvaged a 3-3 draw against Torino (under Baroni, the now-former *Biancocelesti* coach) with a penalty in the 102nd minute. However, that defeat might very well catch up with them in Bergamo. For the match against Atalanta, the visitors will be without Castellanos, Gigot, Dele-Bashiru, Pellegrini, Rovella, and Zaccagni due to injuries. These are significant absences that severely weaken their potential for this upcoming fixture.