Neither AC Milan nor Lazio enjoyed the best of seasons in 2013-14, though they've both made significant changes over the summer -- for better or worse. So far, Milan's appear to be for the worse, with the rossoneri having struggled greatly under new coach Filippo Inzaghi in preseason. Lazio have fared a little better under their new tactician Stefano Pioli, though it remains to be seen whether both sides' new signings will adapt well to the demands of Serie A. We'll know a little better after they meet in their season opener on Sunday.
AC Milan vs. Lazio: Time, TV schedule and game preview
AC Milan meet Lazio in a tasty season opener on Sunday.
Key player - Stephan El Shaarawy (AC Milan)
Stephan El Shaarawy broke into the Milan first team with an outstanding season two years ago, netting 16 goals in 37 games and generally carrying a pretty poor team on his teenage shoulders. It’s no coincidence that during his injury-plagued 2013-14 season -- in which he made just a single league start -- the rossoneri nosedived. However, now he’s back, and hopefully at his best. With him in the side, Milan are infinitely better off.
Key matchup - Stephan El Shaarawy vs. Dušan Basta
It just so happens that El Shaarawy's direct opponent in this match will almost certainly be Lazio right-back Dušan Basta, who moved to the capital this summer after a few excellent seasons at Udinese. During his long spell at Udinese he was used as a wing-back, and was notable for his marauding runs up the right flank. If he plays the same way at his new club, El Shaarawy could well delight in acres of space on the counter-attack. Fortunately for Lazio, the absence of Riccardo Montolivo means Milan could find supplying Il Faraone with long passes a little difficult.
AC Milan injuries and suspensions
Out: Riccardo Montolivo (injured), Mattia De Sciglio, Philippe Mexès (suspended). In doubt: None.
Lazio injuries and suspensions
Out: Ogenyi Onazi, Federico Marchetti (injured), Bruno Pereirinha (suspended). In doubt: None.
Montolivo is still out with the broken leg that ended his World Cup before it had even begun. Full-back Mattia De Sciglio and centre-back Philippe Mexès are serving suspensions from last season, though only the former will be really missed.
For Lazio, defensive midfielder Ogenyi Onazi is out with a leg injury he sustained in Brazil, while goalkeeper Federico Marchetti is injured too. Bruno Pereirinha is suspended, though he was unlikely to play a part anyway.
Match Date/Time: Sunday, 6 p.m. local, 12 p.m. ET
Venue: San Siro, Milan, Italy
TV: BT Sport 1 (U.K.), Premium Calcio 1 (Italy)
Online: BT Sport 1 (U.K.), Sky Go Italia (Italy)
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