Coppa Italia 2025-2026: Atalanta-Lazio, the likely lineups
After Inter’s resounding comeback against Como, the focus shifts entirely to the New Balance Arena for the return leg of the second Coppa Italia semifinal between Atalanta and Lazio scheduled for Wednesday at 9 p.m. The verdict still hangs on a total balance after the 2-2 draw in the first leg, a vibrant match in which La Dea was able to twice sew up the tear thanks to goals by Pasalic and Musah who had responded to early strikes by Dele-Bashiru and Dia. Whoever emerges victorious from this clash will challenge Chivu’s Nerazzurri in the very final scheduled for next May 13.
Palladino, despite the Bergamaschi’s excellent rise in the second half of the championship, currently finds himself in seventh place and seriously risks staying out of the European round, a prospect that could change only by winning the trophy or hoping for a result interlock involving Inter’s final placement. For Sarri, the situation is even more drastic, with the Biancocelesti slipping to minus seven from the Orobici and now far from any hope of qualification via Serie A, making this semifinal the last useful call not to completely fail the year.
Regarding the formation choices, Atalanta’s coach has to untie the knot related to the central point, where Krstovic’s state of grace undermines Scamacca’s titularity, while on the trequart will act the pair composed of Zalewski and De Ketelaere. There is hope of recovering Hien to lead the backline.
On the opposite side, Lazio will present itself with Sarri’s proven tactical scheme that will entrust Daniel Maldini with the role of offensive terminal, flanked by Isaksen and a Zaccagni eager to redeem the last mistake from the penalty spot committed against Napoli. Cataldi in the box with Taylor and Basic, Gila and Romagnoli directing the defense.
Probable lineups
ATALANTA (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Djmsiti, Kolasinac; Zappacosta, De Roon, Ederson, Bernasconi; De Ketelaere, Raspadori, Krstovic. All. Palladino.
LAZIO (4-3-3): Motta; Marusic, Gila, Romagnoli, Tavares; Basic, Cataldi, Taylor; Cancellieri, Maldini, Zaccagni. All. Sarri.
