Lazio full-back Luca Pellegrini is desperate to prove his worth for the team in next week’s Coppa Italia clash against Inter Milan.
The Background
The 25-year-old was a regular feature for the club during the first half of the season, but was shockingly omitted from both the Serie A and Europa League squad lists for the second half of the campaign. His head coach Marco Baroni explained the decision by citing the player’s lack of commitment in training.
Luca Pellegrini Pushing for Starting Role in Inter Milan vs Lazio
But according to Il Messaggero (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Pellegrini has been ‘giving 120%’ in training in recent weeks, as he’s hellbent on regaining his status at the club. While he’s currently ineligible to play in the domestic league as well as Europe, the Coppa Italia quarter-final clash against Inter represents a golden opportunity for the Juventus loanee.
Limited Choices at Left-Back
Pellegrini’s availability should come in handy for Baroni, especially with Elseid Hysaj out with an injury. Nuno Tavares is now the solitary natural option for the left-back role in Serie A and the Europa League, so the coach could decide to give him a breather next Tuesday, especially with another San Siro clash (against Milan) set to follow on March 2nd.
Potential Reinstatement?
This follows reports of recently held peace talks between the Biancocelesti management and the player’s entourage. It should also be noted that Baroni would be able to alternate his Serie A squad, so Pellegrini’s reinstatement remains plausible on paper.
They really should give him a chance to get back into the team. He is a laziale and is a decent fullback. I believe he can be a first team rotation player and that is exactly what we need. I am tired of having right legged full backs playing on the lift side. We need depth!