Maurizio Sarri has specifically requested that Lazio try to sign Napoli left back Mario Rui this summer.
The Biancocelesti are prepared for an almost-total squad overhaul over the coming months and one department that clearly needs some touching up is the left back role; Elseid Hysaj failed to impress in the position this season, forcing Sarri to adapt Adam Marusic and Stefan Radu to the role.
As reported by Tuttosport (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Sarri wants a natural left back for his Lazio squad and so he’s specifically requested a move for Mario Rui. He remembers the Portuguese full back well from their time together at Empoli and Napoli.
Mario Rui is contracted to Partenopei until 2025 and has an estimated market value of around €8 million. He was a regular starter under coach Luciano Spalletti this season, playing 3002 minutes across 34 Serie A appearances. He provided six assists in that time.
Apollo’s Thoughts
I’ll be honest, I’m not particularity convinced by this deal. Despite some warnings from the Napoli faithful last summer, I still believed that Hysaj was a good addition to the squad. I was wrong. Now with Sarri’s interest in Mario Rui, it almost feels like the same mistakes will be made again.
The major upside of Mario Rui’s game is his passing; the stats show that he averaged 72.91 attempted passes per 90 minutes across the last 365 days, of which 84.4% were completed. If he can manage to keep this up with Lazio then maybe I’ll be proven wrong. Let’s hope.