Prediction: Lazio vs AC Milan

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 5/4

Bookmaker: Unibet

Lazio and AC Milan meet for the second time in five days on Thursday evening, this time battling for a Coppa Italia quarter-final spot at Stadio Olimpico.

Milan edged a tense Serie A encounter last weekend, but now face the challenge of traveling to Rome.

Lazio

Denied by Rafael Leao’s decisive strike, Mike Maignan’s brilliance, and a contentious VAR decision, Lazio fell 1-0 at San Siro on Saturday. Both Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri and Lazio assistant Marco Ianni were sent off for dissent after the referee rejected a late penalty appeal, leaving the visitors empty-handed.

Having also lost to Inter there earlier this season, Lazio’s only defeats since September’s Derby della Capitale have come at San Siro. They have gone nearly 400 minutes without scoring away from home, but will enjoy home advantage as they chase an eighth Coppa Italia crown.

Maurizio Sarri’s side—eighth in Serie A and 10 points behind leaders Milan—entered the competition at this stage thanks to last season’s top-eight finish. Sarri has beaten Allegri just four times in 21 meetings, a rivalry dating back 22 years to their days in Serie C2. Allegri, meanwhile, boasts a record five Coppa Italia triumphs, underlining the scale of Sarri’s task.

Team News
Samuel Gigot, Matteo Cancellieri, Nicolo Rovella, and Danilo Cataldi remain sidelined, while Valentin Castellanos has only just returned from a seven-week absence. Castellanos was fit enough for the bench on Saturday, so Tijjani Noslin or Boulaye Dia should lead the line, despite Dia’s ongoing goal drought. With Bologna looming in Serie A, Sarri may rotate, offering minutes to Pedro and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.

AC Milan

Victory over Lazio sent Milan to the top of Serie A, level on points with champions Napoli, with Inter and Roma close behind. That win followed their Derby della Madonnina success, where Maignan’s heroics again proved decisive.

The Rossoneri are now unbeaten in 13 matches and have recorded nine clean sheets this season, reinforcing their Scudetto credentials. With no European commitments after last term’s poor finish, Milan can prioritize a domestic cup run—especially as they have not lifted the trophy in over 20 years. Thursday’s winner will face Parma or holders Bologna, raising the prospect of a rematch with last year’s final conquerors.

Milan have already dispatched Bari and Lecce without conceding, but must now navigate a tricky away tie.

Team News

Allegri is expected to field a strong lineup, though attacking options are limited. Christian Pulisic—two goals in the cup and seven in 10 appearances overall—remains doubtful due to recurring muscular issues, joining Santiago Gimenez on the injury list. Leao and Christopher Nkunku are likely to spearhead the attack.

Conclusion

Saturday’s clash was decided by a single goal, and given both sides’ defensive solidity, another tight contest is likely. Even with potential rotations, Milan’s form and depth should see them progress to the quarter-finals at Stadio Olimpico.

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 5/4

Bookmaker: Unibet