Lazio vs AC Milan Combined XI: Only Two Aquile Break Into Allegri’s Lineup

On Sunday evening, Lazio will host AC Milan in the most anticipated showdown of the Serie A weekend. But while this has always been a competitive fixture, the Rossoneri arrive in Rome with a 23-point advantage over the Biancocelesti. In other words, they have averaged almost an extra point per round over the capital side after 28 matchdays.

Nevertheless, this sizable gap is almost justified by the gulf in quality between the two squads, which becomes all too evident when comparing the two teams role by role.

Lazio & AC Milan Best Combined XI (3-5-1-1)

Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan (Milan)

Ivan Provedel had a solid campaign prior to his season-ending shoulder surgery, but Mike Maignan has been operating on a whole different level. His saves are one of the main reasons why Milan still stand a chance in the Scudetto race.

Right Centre-Back: Fikayo Tomori (Milan)

The former Chelsea defender has been one of the Rossoneri’s most consistent players over the past few years. The Englishman helped the club lift the Scudetto title in 2021/22, and he’s still going strong.

Centre-Back: Mario Gila (Lazio)

Matteo Gabbia might be an overachiever, but Milan’s keen interest in Mario Gila is telling enough.

Left Centre-Back: Alessio Romagnoli (Lazio)

When the 31-year-old left the San Siro outfit in 2022, he had already lost his automatic starting spot. However, he is arguably at the peak of his powers at this stage of his career. Strahinja Pavlovic might be stronger and faster, but Romagnoli’s composure, leadership, and experience are too valuable.

Right Wing-back: Alexis Saelemaekers (Milan)

After spending the last two campaigns on loan at Roma and Bologna, the Belgian regained his starting berth at Milan, and most managers would pick him over Adam Marusic in this role.

Right Central Midfielder: Youssouf Fofana (Milan)

Youssouf Fofana might have some holes in his game, but he’s a French international who has already proven himself on the big stage. Neither Toma Basic nor Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has the resume to compete with Fofana.

Deep-Lying Playmaker: Luka Modric (Milan)

Nicolo Rovella can become a superb Regista one day, but his beloved Croatian idol comfortably wins this duel.

Left Central Midfielder: Adrien Rabiot (Milan)

Kenneth Taylor might be on the right path, but Adrien Rabiot is arguably the best box-to-box midfielder in Serie A.

Left Wing-Back: Davide Bartesaghi (Milan)

This is probably the toughest choice on the list. Nuno Tavares has been enjoying a mini revival, while Pervis Estupinan’s strike settled the Derby della Madonnina last weekend. However, it would be unfair to pick either one over Davide Bastesaghi, given how they underachieved for the bulk of the campaign, whereas the young Italian has been one of the Serie A revelations this season.

Attacking Midfielder: Christian Pulisic (Milan)

‘Captain America’ continues to be overlooked despite his vast importance for the Milan cause. On the other hand, Mattia Zaccagni has been struggling to find his best form this season.

Striker: Rafael Leao (Milan)

With both squads lacking consistent goal-scorers, Rafael Leao gets the nod rather easily, even though he’s not a natural centre-forward, and he’s not exactly enjoying his best campaign. Niclas Füllkrug, Santi Gimenez, Christopher Nkunku, Daniel Maldini, Boulaye Dia, Tijjani Noslin, and Petar Ratkov have all underperformed this season.