Lazio full-back Luca Pellegrini is still determined to regain his spot in the club’s Serie A squad list following his recent omission.
The Background
The Biancocelesti life-long supporter served as Nuno Tavares’ understudy during the first half of the season, but lost his manager’s favor in January. Marco Baroni thus decided to drop him out of both Serie A and Europa League lists, citing the player’s lack of effort in training as the main reason behind this controversial call.
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Nevertheless, the Lazio boss kept the doors open, while praising the Juventus loanee for his improved demeanor. He was even selected as a starter in the Coppa Italia quarter-final clash against Inter Milan.
Luca Pellegrini Looking to Rejoin the Lazio Squad
So according to Il Corriere dello Sport (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Pellegrini is still pushing for a return to the squad, but that is only possible in Serie A, as the UEFA list can no longer be altered. But as the source explains, Baroni only has until the end of March to make the decision. Afterwards, the Serie A list will remain intact until the end of the season.
Who Would Luca Pellegrini Replace?
If the 25-year-old were to be reinstated in the Serie A squad, it would almost certainly come at the expense of Toma Basic who, despite holding a spot on the list, hasn’t made a single appearance this season in all competitions.
Moreover, Matias Vecino’s recovery and Reda Belahyane’s arrival provided just enough depth in the middle of the park, thus rendering Pellegrini a more useful addition than the Croatian midfielder.
I think the only reason Basic is in and Pellegrini still out is because Baroni fears another midfielder will be sidelined soon . If in the next 2-3 weeks that doesn’t happen, Luca will be back.