Paolo Di Canio was not impressed with Lazio’s failure to pick up a new backup striker in the summer transfer window.
The Biancocelesti have been left in a tough spot following the hamstring injury to Ciro Immobile, leaving them without a natural striker for Maurizio Sarri’s 4-3-3 system. The Italian coach will now be forced to adapt a wide player like Felipe Anderson or Pedro, using them as a false nine in an attempt to maintain some attacking threat.
Speaking to Sky Sports Italia (via LazioNews24), Di Canio commented on Immobile’s injury and the lack of a natural replacement in the Lazio squad.
It’s a wrong mentality if they wanted to make the jump. Immobile for what he gives on the pitch, the quality he brings and what he spends on energy, they have to have a substitute.
There are periods when they plan to rest him. There are matches, for example with Spezia at home, which is a match for Lazio, in which his natural substitute should play.
They had to get a replacement for Ciro. They didn’t need a big name, but they can’t play with just one forward.
It’s clear that Lazio suffer without their talismanic striker and Sarri will be hoping to try and secure as many points as possible in the run-up to the World Cup break, hoping to stay in the fight for the Champions League spots.
Immobile is not expected to recover until January, severely limiting the Biancocelesti’s options up front.
