With a key cup battle against Atalanta awaiting, Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri could ring the changes this weekend in Napoli.
Lazio Preparing for Napoli & Atalanta Clashes
The Biancocelesti currently lie 9th in the Serie A table, with their chances of breaking into the European zone all but faded. Nevertheless, the Italian capital side can still qualify for the Europa League by winning the Coppa Italia.
Therefore, the second-leg semi-final clash in Bergamo can be considered the club’s most important fixture os the season, and it will take place on Wednesday, April 22. The two sides had played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in the first leg at the Stadio Olimpico.
Maurizio Sarri Could Tweak Lazio Starting Lineup
With that in mind, Sarri is considering rotating his starting lineup when he returns to Stadio Maradona on Saturday. According to La Lazio Siamo Noi, the manager could make a few tweaks to the lineup, but a complete overhaul remains unlikely, especially amid the lack of options in some departments.
Will Nuno Tavares Get Rested Against Napoli?
With Mario Gila yet to fully recover, Alessio Romagnoli and Oliver Provstgaard will start at the heart of the backline once more. Adam Marusic is hoping to recover for the cup tie, but in the meantime, Manuel Lazzari will play at right-back. Nuno Tavares could do with some rest, but it remains to be seen if Luca Pellegrini will be fit enough to start.
Two Midfield Spots up for Grabs
In the Regista role, Sarri will choose between Patric and Danilo Cataldi. Whoever is dropped to the bench this weekend should be the favorite to start on Wednesday. The same goes for Toma Basic and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who are vying for a spot on the right side of the midfield trident. On the other hand, the ‘untouchable’ Kenneth Taylor should be in the starting lineup on both occasions.
Mattia Zaccagni to Start Once More?
On the wings, Gustav Isaksen and Matteo Cancellieri will once again challenge one another for a spot on the right wing. Mattia Zaccagni needs to put some minutes in his legs, so he’s the favorite for the left-wing role, ahead of Pedro and Tijjani Noslin.
Finally, Boulaye Dia will likely lead the line, keeping Petar Ratkov on the bench, while Daniel Maldini could be given additional time on the sidelines to allow his right knee to heal.
This game would be a perfect time to experiment. What is there to lose? I don’t know why the manager keeps on persisting with a possession based 4-3-3 when it’s obvious that the players don’t fit that formation. we have very few players that are comfortable with the ball at their feet, imaginative, slender and agile in tight spaces. Only Rovella and Zaca fit that. Rovella has been injured most of the season while Zaccagni doesn’t seem to care anymore. So why persist? Lazio’s current crop are counter attacking players. Look at our best performances or games this season – nothing more than passes into space for Cancelleri and Gustav to run to and outpace their markers. They aren’t technically proficient inside forwards to dribble and do stepovers etc, those are direct inverted wingers, yet for some reason Sarri wants dribblers. Last season Dia was at least scoring.. Why? Because even Baroni realized that he isn’t someone to lead the line, but play like as a shadow striker. Dele isn’t a ‘smart’ midfielder. He is a typical physical player that thrives on chaos. Yet for some reason our coach wants him to be ‘thinking’, when that is the exact opposite of what he is as a player…And if you going to rest Marusic, and play Lazarri, then you have to start with Petar, or else to whom are those crosses going to be aimed towards???
Anyways, I would play a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Rotta
lazzari Patric Romagnoli Pellegrini
. Reda Basic
Canc Adrian Noslin
. Petar
Rest Cataldi, Oliver, Tavares, Gustav, Taylor etc.
We can’t afford injuries or fatigue as Wednesday is do or die.