Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri is expected to make two mandatory changes to his starting lineup against Parma, as Patric and Mario Gila are unlikely to make it.
Patric Out, Danilo Cataldi In
Patric has been operating as a makeshift deep-lying playmaker with Nicolo Rovella and Danilo Cataldi out of the action, and has managed to put on convincing displays in this unusual role. However, the defender picked up a knock in training earlier this week, so he won’t be available for the contest.
The 32-year-old has been enduring rough times with injuries over the past few years, and it remains to be seen for how long he’ll be out of action this time.
According to La Lazio Siamo Noi, Cataldi has made a timely recovery, so he’ll reclaim his starting spot at the heart of the lineup, playing as a Regista between Kenneth Taylor and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. Toma Basic is hoping to finally overcome his two-month injury ordeal and return to the squad, but he won’t be fit enough for a starting role either way.
Mario Gila Highly Doubftul for Lazio vs Parma
Moreover, Gila is also expected to miss out, as he’s still struggling with the knee inflammation that forced him to leave the pitch in the first half against Bologna before the international break. Oliver Provstgaard will thus complete the backline, joining Alessio Romagnoli, Adam Marusic, and Nuno Tavares.
Luca Pellegrini is also doubtful for the contest, while Mattia Zaccagni, Rovella, and Ivan Provedel remain long-term absentees.
Lazio Attacking Trio Intact
Finally, Daniel Maldini is expected to lead the line once more, flanked by Gustav Isaksen and Pedro, so Boulaye Dia, Tijjani Noslin, and Matteo Cancellieri will all start on the bench.
Lazio Probable XI (4-3-3): Motta; Marusic, Romagnoli, Provstgaard, Nuno Tavares; Dele-Bashiru, Cataldi, Taylor; Isaksen, Maldini, Pedro
Can we use a 352 formation please?!
We don’t have the back line or midfield to play that formation.
No, we don’t have players for 3-5-2. Currently we have two centre backs. Who will be the third? Plus no one would be on bench. For 3-5-2 to work you need two world class wing backs. We have zero. We have full backs and wingers. Marusić is poor in attacking phase, Cancellieri in defense. And we have none solid striker. Both Dia and Ratkov are bench players. 4-3-3 is ok formation, but we lack quality. 4-5-1 is our only alternative at the moment.
Dele-Bashiru LOL