The end of this season brought about the end of a number things. An end to Lazio’s Champions League hopes for the time being, an end to a magnificent season for the biancoceleste and the end of their time in Rome for a number of Lazio players. Dusan Basta has been linked with a move away, De Vrij is completing a switch to Inter, Milinkovic-Savic, Immobile and Anderson are all at risk too. However, forgotten goalkeeper Federico Marchetti will also be finishing his contract at the Olimpico. The 35-year-old has been at Lazio since 2011, playing 141 times.
Lazio are in need of a solid second keeper to act as cover for Thomas Strakosha and Il Messaggero are reporting four potential names as replacements.
The first is Udinese goalkeeper and former Lazio man, Albano Bizzarri. Bizzarri played 32 times for Udinese this season, as they finished 14th after a poor start to the campaign. The Argentine’s contract expires this summer and he would be under no illusions about his inferiority to Strakosha. His age may be off-putting but he is a former Laziale and was part of the squad that won the Coppa Italia in 2013.
The second name is another Udinese keeper, Orestis Karnezis. The 32-year-old Greek has 49 appearances for his national team and spent the season on loan at Premier League club Watford. He played 15 times in the Premier League, conceding 24 goals and keeping 4 clean sheets. Karnezis would likely be available for a fee of around €3-€5 million.
Thirdly comes from recently relegated Benevento, who had a memorable first season in Serie A. 37-year-old Christian Puggioni signed for Benevento from Sampdoria in January and went on to play 15 times in Serie A – keeping 2 clean sheets. Although not the ideal option, Puggioni is an option regardless.
Finally, Hellas Verona goalkeeper Nicolas is also mentioned. The Brazilian is 30-years-old, making him the youngest option in these reports. Valued at €900k, he could be a good choice. Despite playing for a relegated side, Nicolas kept 7 clean sheets in 36 games and was certainly one of Verona’s brightest players.
With four cards on the table, which would you choose? Let us know!
