This weekend, Lazio will play Hellas Verona on the road, but Mattia Zaccagni and Toma Basic will be left behind at Formello.
Lazio Captain Mattia Zaccagni Suspended Once Again
The club captain picked up his fifth yellow card of the season during Wednesday’s 2-2 draw against Fiorentina, so he’ll serve another one-match ban, less than a month removed from the suspension he earned for his red card against Parma.
Toma Basic Will Be Rested Against Hellas Verona
As for Basic, he picked up a slight knock during the same contest, which saw him removed prematurely. According to Il Corriere dello Sport (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), test results ruled out a muscle strain, but the Croatian is dealing with an inflammation that warrants some rest.
Petar Ratkov & Kenneth Taylor to Debut Off the Bench?
Lazio will also be without Taty Castellanos and Matteo Guendouzi, who completed their transfers to West Ham United and Fenerbahce, respectively. However, they have been replaced by Serbian striker Petar Ratkov and Dutch midfielder Kenneth Taylor, who should start the match against Verona on the bench, with the possibility of making their Serie A debuts at the Bentegodi.
Lazio’s Makeshift Attack
La Gazzetta dello Sport expects Adam Marusic and Tijjani Noslin to reclaim their starting berths after serving a one-match ban. The Dutch striker should lead the line, supported by Gustav Isaksen and Matteo Cancellieri. The latter usually plays on the right wing, but could be moved to the left due to Zaccagni’s absence.
Maurizio Sarri Forced to Make Two Changes in Midfield
In midfield, Reda Belahyane should replace Guendouzi, while Matias Vecino fills in for the absent Basic, with Danilo Cataldi maintaining his place at the heart of the team. With Marusic back in action, Manuel Lazzari will be dropped to the bench, especially after suffering a cramp in the final stages against Fiorentina. Mario Gila, Alessio Romagnoli and Luca Pellegrini will preserve their places at the back.
Lazio Probable XI (4-3-3): Provedel; Marusic, Gila, Romagnoli, Pellegrini; Belahyane, Cataldi, Vecino; Isaksen, Noslin, Cancellieri.
Why the hell is Noslin starting when we have a ready to go Serbian striker!
Without any understanding of the tactical system of Sarri, how can the new comer perform well?