Lazio vs. AC Milan: Issues and Decisions That Will Shape Serie A Game

Milan's match against Lazio is right around the corner, and it'll be a very important test for Filippo Inzaghi's men to show if they're serious about contending for a European place.

The Rossoneri will go into the match at the Stadio Olimpico with a slightly different look from the side that lost against Atalanta last weekend. While Stephan El Shaarawy was expected to start, the newest report from La Gazzetta's probable lineup (in Italian) says that Alessio Cerci will get the nod instead of Il Faraone.

El Shaarawy was quiet against Atalanta, mostly due to the fact that Milan conceded right away and Atalanta defended with two lines of four for the rest of the match, making it hard for players like El Shaarawy and Jeremy Menez to find room to operate.

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The first key issue will be how Pablo Armero handles the constant pressure from Antonio Candreva. The Colombian left-back is taking over for Daniele Bonera, and should provide much more energy and delivery going forward.

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However, Armero is suspect defensively and isn't the most tactically disciplined of full-backs. Antonio Candreva has been Lazio's most influential player on a consistent basis as a right-sided midfielder, and he can make himself a nuisance both with his pinpoint crossing and his long distance shooting.

The biggest problem with Candreva getting into a great crossing position is that Filip Djordjevic will be prowling in the middle of the box.

The physical Serbian striker Djordjevic is a very dangerous aerial threat, and he could exploit Milan's biggest weakness—defending crosses.

Armero must not allow Candreva to run rampant down the right flank, so we'll see if Inzaghi instructs one of the midfielders or even Giacomo Bonaventura to track back and double up on the Lazio midfielder anytime he's trying to take on Armero.

The most important decision and issue, however, is how Inzaghi lines up the attack. Milan seems to lack ideas at times of how to break down an opponent, especially if they've conceded and the opposition hunkers down into their own box to defend.

Jeremy Menez will play in that false-nine role, with Bonaventura on the left and Alessio Cerci expected to take on his usual position on the opposite flank, where he can cut the ball onto his left foot and either cross or shoot.

Lazio have plenty of pace at the full-back position with both Dusan Basta and Luis Pedro Cavanda, so their best chance of creating a mismatch could be in the middle against the heavy-footed Lorik Cana, who is susceptible to the occasional defensive lapse. 

The result of the game will have to do heavily with who concedes first. While it sounds like a cliche, Milan have an incredibly hard time clawing their way back into matches, and they much prefer an open style game against a team that isn't afraid to play attacking football.