Lazio Turn to Emergency Solutions as Four Full-Backs Could Miss Vital Juventus Clash

Lazio coach Marco Baroni might be forced to improvise, as he could be without four full-backs in the direct showdown against Juventus.

The Background

The Biancocelesti will host the Bianconeri at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday in one of the most important fixtures in the remaining three weeks of the Serie A campaign. The two sides are currently on par in points alongside Roma, and they’re embroiled in a razor-tight race for fourth place, which also involves Bologna who are only one point behind the aforementioned trio.

Lazio Enduring Full-Blown Crisis

But as La Lazio Siamo Noi explains, the capital side will have to negotiate this fixture with a depleted full-back department. Elseid Hysaj will certainly miss the contest after receiving his marching orders during Sunday’s victory in Empoli.

Nuno Tavares & Manuel Lazzari Still Struggling

Moreover, Nuno Tavares and Manuel Lazzari have been ruled out with muscular injuries, and the source believes they’re unlikely to recover in time for the direct Champions League battle against the Old Lady.

Adam Marusic Picks up Knock

To make matters even more complicated for Baroni, Adam Marusic will have to be evaluated after sustaining a blow during the first half of the contest against Empoli. The Montenegrin was thus hauled off at half-time, making way for Gustav Isaksen on the right wing.

Mario Gila, the Emergency Backup

Therefore, Luca Pellegrini could be the only natural full-back option at the manager’s disposal on Saturday. The Italian will thus start on the left flank, while the report expects Mario Gila to play at right-back if Marusic doesn’t recover in time. The Spaniard already filled this role on Sunday following Hysaj’s expulsion.

Samuel Gigot Confirmed?

In this case, Samuel Gigot would keep his starting berth alongside Alessio Romagnoli at the heart of the backline. The Frenchman produced a decent showing at the Carlo Castellani, so Baroni might decide to confirm him as a starter regardless of the full-back emergency.