Simone Inzaghi: The mastermind behind Lazio’s rise

Tactical set-up

Last season, Inzaghi liked to use a 3-5-2 formation with Keita and Immobile leading the line. Anderson was sometimes used as a wing-back in order to add some creativity and provide a threat from wide areas. 3-4-3 or 4-3-3 formations were also used depending on the opposition set-up. However, 3-5-2 became the preferred choice and carried on being used in this season, although it was slightly tweaked to become a 3-5-1-1.

This slight tweak enables Alberto to be the link between Immobile and the rest of the team. The freedom given to Immobile has enabled him to thrive; he is the top scorer in the league with 27 goals from 28 games and has 38 goals in all competitions. Lazio are actually the highest scorers in the league with 75 goals, but their defence is leaky with 40 goals conceded.

This might be due to the fact that they often allow teams to build up in their own half with the press being initiated when they cross the halfway line. Therefore, they don’t force many turnovers close to the opposition goal and allow them to build-up. Immobile and Alberto are also limited in their involvement defensively because they are trying to find space for quick transitions.

Lazio also use an entertaining counter-attacking style, which can leave them exposed as well as meaning that they sometimes have little control over games. The limited counter-pressing allows the opposition to take advantage of these openings in the transition.

Milinkovic-Savic is key because he is often used as an initial outlet due to his physical presence. His multifaceted skill-set means he can also be used as an aerial threat while also being able to be intricate or bulldoze through the opposition lines with his dribbling if needed.