Having lost either side of last month's international break, Atalanta are no longer looking quite such a guaranteed presence in Serie A's final top four.

Still in the Scudetto race until a recent 2-0 defeat to Inter Milan, the Bergamaschi are now being closely pursued by Bologna and Juventus - plus both Rome clubs - in the race for Champions League qualification.

With Italy unlikely to earn a fifth spot this season, they cannot afford many more slip-ups, after last week's loss to Fiorentina left them nervously glancing over their shoulders.

A once-potent attack lies dormant, as Atalanta have lost their last two games without scoring - only twice under Gian Piero Gasperini have they suffered three consecutive defeats in Serie A.

'Gasp' seemed to signal his imminent departure after La Dea's exit from Europe, having fallen out with star man Ademola Lookman, and the veteran coach now faces the possibility of going seven home games without a win for just the second time throughout his long reign.

After a streak of six straight victories late last year, his side have since failed to win any of their last six league fixtures at the Gewiss Stadium - failing to even score in each of the last three.

Given such a slump, simply keeping hold of a top-four place must be their new objective, but another setback on Sunday would see Lazio close within three points.

After a close-fought stalemate in December's reverse fixture, the last nine league meetings between these clubs have seen three wins apiece and three draws, and this not the first time they have fought each other for European qualification.

Like their hosts, Lazio come into this week's clash low on confidence, having won only one of their last six Serie A matches to slip back down the standings.

In fact, following Monday's disappointing home draw with Torino, the Biancocelesti are now just one more failure away from going four league games without a win for the first time in five years.

Having been hit for six by Inter at the end of 2024, before losing 5-0 to Bologna last month, Lazio are still a work in progress under Marco Baroni, who had made such an impressive start to life at Stadio Olimpico.

Recording just four top-flight wins this year has put dreams of a Champions League return in danger; albeit, the capital club could take an alternative Europa League route into UEFA's top club competition.

They will meet Bodo/Glimt for the first leg of their quarter-final tie next week, but first a chance to close the gap between themselves and La Dea must be taken.

Atalanta BC possible starting lineup:

Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac; Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Zappacosta; De Ketelaere, Lookman; Retegui

Lazio possible starting lineup:

Provedel; Marusic, Gila, Romagnoli, Tavares; Vecino, Rovella; Isaksen, Pedro, Zaccagni; Dia