Due to the abnormal circumstances, no one at Lazio had set high expectations at the start of the 2025/26 campaign, especially not Maurizio Sarri.
When the Tuscan manager took over the Biancocelesti for the first time in 2021, his squad included marvellous names, particularly Ciro Immobile, Luis Alberto, Felipe Anderson, and, last but not least, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. Flash forward to 2025, Sarri’s second reign began with a transfer ban, and a squad that pales in comparison to its predecessor.
While the club managed to unblock the market in the winter, Claudio Lotito and Angelo Fabiani took the opportunity to cash in on some of the most prized assets, and replace them with green, unproven players.
Therefore, Lazio were never going to compete for the highest places in the Serie A table this season, even though they stand a chance at earning silverware by clinching the Coppa Italia trophy. The Lazio latest results might suggest that the team could have achieved more, especially after beating AC Milan.
However, Sarri had always insisted that his personal goal for the season is to find a solid core of seven or eight players that the club can build on for years to come. So, has the 67-year-old succeeded in this mission?
Let’s take a closer look at each department and determine the players who have proven their worth and are capable of playing an important role at Lazio for years to come.
Goalkeepers
Sadly for Ivan Provedel, his latest injury will rule him out until the end of the season. Nevertheless, the Lazio stats show 12 clean sheets in the goalkeeper’s 27 Serie A appearances this season. And at the age of 31, he still has many good years in the tank, while his ability to play with his feet makes him the perfect profile for Sarri’s style of play.
Centre-Backs
Lazio have one of the strongest centre-back partnerships in Mario Gila and Alessio Romagnoli, but neither is expected to stay beyond the summer. The forgotten Samuel Gigot is also on his way out, while Patric’s age and injury record shouldd prevent the Biancocelesti from entrusting him with a key role.
The good news for Lazio is that Oliver Provstgaard has been able to fill in Romagnoli’s shoes whenever called upon.
Full-Backs
This might be Lazio’s most troublesome department. Adam Marusic is considered Sarri’s favorite for the role, but he’s on the wrong side of 30, and the same applies to Manuel Lazzari and Elseid Hysaj.
Luca Pellegrini hasn’t always impressed on the left side, while Nuno Tavares’ future remains anything but certain. Alfonso Pedraza will join the club next season, but it’s impossible to tell whether he’ll be a success or not.
Midfielders
Danilo Cataldi has been enjoying a solid campaign, but Nicolo Rovella is a more inspiring option in the Regista role. If the 24-year-old can bounce back from his injury-plagued campaign, he’ll definitely be considered part of the core, and the same goes for Kenneth Taylor, who has been Lazio’s most convincing January signing.
On the other hand, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Reda Belahyane haven’t shown enough to be deemed regular first-starters, while one has to wonder if Toma Basic has it in him to perform consistently at a high level.
Forwards
In Daniel Maldini, Petar Ratkov, Boulaye Dia, and Tijjani Noslin, Lazio have four attackers vying for the centre-forward role. Sarri likes Maldini the most, but the fanbase isn’t fully convinced.
But at least Lazio have solid options on the wings, at least if Gustav Isaksen can build on his current form, and Mattia Zaccagni can avoid injuries
Who Has Done Enough to Earn a Place in Sarri’s Core
Based on the above, only six Lazio players can be considered suitable and competent enough to hold a regular starting berth at the club, as the others are either unlikely to dwell for too long or aren’t good enough for a prominent role.
The six players are Provedel, Provstgaard, Rovella, Taylor, Isaksen, and Zaccagni
Rovella.
If he fails to recapture his old form, then be a benchwarmer, as usual Inter would love to sign him on loan-with-option-to-buy.