Four Lazio Stars Who Could Lose Their Starting Spots with Maurizio Sarri

Upon his return to Lazio, Maurizio Sarri immediately reinstated his favorite 4-3-3 formation, dropping Marco Baroni’s 4-3-2-1 system.

Although the two formations are not terribly contrasting, Sarri insisted during his unveiling that he and his predecessor have vastly different styles of play. Therefore, it is natural that some players would thrive under the tutelage of one manager, but would be slightly less-suited to the other’s plan, and the opposite is true.

So despite being forced to work with the same squad that was at Baroni’s disposal (due to the transfer ban), Sarri certainly isn’t obliged to confirm the same players in the starting lineup. After all, the 66-year-old will be looking to make the most out of the group at his disposal and try to secure European football for the following campaign, even though the most reliable bookmakers, including the best betting site in the Philippines, aren’t backing the Aquile to flourish this term.

Nevertheless, the returning manager still has high hopes for his team, albeit a few tweaks are expected. Therefore, let’s take a closer look at four Lazio players who were regular starters under Baroni but risk losing their places in the new system.

Christos Mandas (Goalkeeper)

In the final months of the campaign, Christos Mandas managed to usurp Ivan Provedel who endured a poor campaign considering his high standards. Nevertheless, with Sarri back in the dugout, the experienced Italian could be given a new lease of life, as the manager appreciates his skills on the ball.

Nuno Tavares (Left-Back)

Nuno Tavares is easily the most explosive full-back at Lazio, but his transition into ‘Sarri-ball’ might require some time. The former Chelsea and Juventus boss will surely be eager to rely on the Portuguese international, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see him resort to his old pupils (Adam Marusic and Elseid Hysaj), at least at the beginning of the season.

Nicolo Rovella (Regista)

Nicolo Rovella may have cemented himself as one of the best deep-lying playmakers in Serie A under Baroni’s tutelage, but Sarri has a soft spot for Danilo Cataldi, who also made an unexpected return to Formello following a year on loan at Fiorentina. This will be an interesting duel to follow.

Taty Castellanos (Striker)

Last season, Taty Castellanos was the ultimate choice for the striker’s role. After all, Baroni decided he doesn’t have to choose between him and Boulaye Dia, but simply play them together, with the Senegalese acting as an attacking midfielder. But with this option now off the table in the 4-3-3 system, there’s only room for one of them.

Despite his ongoing ankle problems, Dia has managed to make a stronger impression on Sarri than Castellanos, or at least this is what’s being reported in Italy. Therefore, the former Salernitana star could unlock a starting role at the expense of the Argentinian.