Lazio Add Fiorentina Benchwarmer to Midfield Shortlist

Lazio are reportedly following Fiorentina midfielder Hans Nicolussi Caviglia, who lost his starting place in Tuscany following the managerial change.

The Background

The 25-year-old is a Juventus youth product whose career was interrupted by a serious injury in 2021, but he managed to overcome it and cement himself as one of the most impressive deep-lying playmakers in Serie A.

After finding little playing time in Turin, the Aosta native joined Venezia in the summer of 2024, when he enjoyed a successful stint on a personal level, even if the club suffered relegation at the end of the season. Caviglia’s exploits earned him a transfer to Fiorentina last summer. He signed for the Viola on loan with an obligation to buy under certain conditions.

Hans Nicolussi Caviglia No Longer a Starter at Fiorentina

The Italian midfielder was initially a regular starter under Stefano Pioli, but he was relegated to the bench when the latter was replaced by Paolo Vanoli. While the managerial change has yet to pay dividends for the Tuscans, who are still shockingly lying at the very bottom of the Serie A table, the former Juventus man could be allowed to leave in January after losing his starting role.

Lazio Following Nicolussi Caviglia with Interest

According to Tuttosport (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Nicolussi Caviglia has several suitors in Serie A, including Lazio, who already pursued him last summer, at least before being slapped with a transfer ban. Maurizio Sarri is already familiar with the player from his time in Turin, when the midfielder was considered one of the most exciting prospects at the club.

The newspaper also identifies Atalanta as another potential destination for the wantaway midfielder, while Cagliari could join the race if they end up selling Matteo Prati.

Do Lazio Need Nicolussi Caviglia?

As for Lazio, it should be noted that the club’s priority is to sign a box-to-box midfielder who can wreak havoc in the final third. On the other hand, Caviglia mostly operates as a Regista. So, unless Nicolo Rovella suffers another setback in his recovery path, the Biancocelesti should be well-covered in this role, with Danilo Cataldi also producing solid displays at the heart of the team.