After edging past Cagliari on Monday, Lazio will be changing personnel for Thursday’s big European clash against Porto.
The Biancocelesti are leading the Europa League group-stage table after winning their first three contests, but the Dragao arguably represent their biggest challenge thus far. But despite facing a dangerous foe, Marco Baroni will be ringing the changes, reveals La Lazio Siamo Noi.
Nuno Tavares Returns
As usual, Ivan Provedel and Christos Mandas will be vying for a starting role in the Europa League, and the young Greek could get the nod for the third time in a row. Nuno Tavares will return to action after serving a domestic ban, so he could be set for his maiden start in the competition, with Adam Marusic on the opposite flank.
Defense & Midfield Rotation
Patric isn’t in his best physical condition, so he could sit this one out, with Samuel Gigot and Alessio Romagnoli starting at the back. The midfield spots remain up for grabs, but the source tips Matias Vecino and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru to start instead of Nicolo Rovella and Matteo Guendouzi.
Boulaye Dia to Lead the Line
Baroni might also rest Taty Castellanos and place Boulaye Dia upfront. The Senegalese could be supported by Loum Tchaouna, Pedro and the returning Mattia Zaccagni.
Lazio (4-2-3-1): Mandas; Marusic, Gigot, Romagnoli, Nuno Tavares; Vecino, Dele-Bashiru; Tchaouna, Pedro, Zaccagni; Dia.
Porto (4-2-3-1): Diogo Costa; Martim, Djalò, Perez, Moura; Varela, Gonzalez; Pepe, Jaime, Galen; Omorodion
Taty vs Pepe will be one for the books, mark my words.