Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri has been handed a major dilemma ahead of Saturday’s contest against Cremonese, as Mattia Zaccagni will be serving a one-match ban.
Which Lazio Player Will Replace Mattia Zaccagni Against Cremonese
The club captain was shown a straight red card last weekend in Parma for a reckless tackle. Toma Basic then followed suit, receiving his marching orders for what was deemed ‘violent conduct’. The Croatian was slapped with a two-match ban, but he has an obvious replacement in Matias Vecino, who will join Danilo Cataldi and Matteo Guendouzi in midfield.
On the other hand, Sarri has yet to choose the player who will fill in for Zaccagni. In fact, the manager has been requesting the signing of his former Napoli pupil Lorenzo Insigne, as he feels that the skipper doesn’t have a natural understudy in the Lazio squad.
Pedro Gunning for a Starting Role in Lazio vs Cremonese
According to Il Corriere dello Sport (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), three players are vying for the role, beginning with Pedro. The veteran is one of the most decorated wingers in his generation, but at the age of 38, Sarri has been reluctant to play him as a starter, especially on the flanks, where he’d be required to do substantial running.
Lazio to Pounce on Tijjani Noslin’s Momentum?
The second option is the man of the hour, Tijjani Noslin. After his miraculous winner against Parma, the Dutchman will certainly take part in the action at the Stadio Olimpico this weekend. However, it remains unclear whether he’ll be used as a second-half substitute for Taty Castellanos once again, or fielded as a starter on the left wing.
Nuno Tavares in a More Advanced Role
Finally, the source reveals a more conservative option in Nuno Tavares. The Portuguese player is originally a left-back, but has now lost his starting berth to Luca Pellegrini, especially following his weak first-half display against Bologna. Therefore, Sarri, could be tempted to test the 25-year-old in a more advanced role, even though a January sale remains a very plausible scenario.
Tavares in the starting 11, if it doesn’t work we can play Isaksen on the left wing, with Cancellieri on the opposite flank. Afterwards, depending on the fatigue we can replace on of them with Pedro.
We could start Noslin instead of Taty and as you say about the rest
Isaksen is injured.
I’m not sure if Isaksen will be healthy for Saturday. But I 100% agree with you. Tavares is a natural winger. He can’t defend, and should be played further up the field
Try Tavares left or right wing. On the right he could turn his curling cross into a finesse shot. On the left he could cross and be less disciplined.