Three Things We Learned Bologna vs Lazio: Sarri’s Ideal Midfield Was One Step Away | OneFootball

A few weeks ago, a three-match winning streak at the expense of Top 10 clubs would have been a mere pipe dream for Lazio fans. And yet, here we are, with the Aquile enjoying their finest moment of the season, leaving Sassuolo, AC Milan, and Bologna in their wake.

But while this should have been a moment to savor, the Biancocelesti fans are finding it difficult to shake off this bittersweet feeling, as their mini-resurgence may have ensued a little too late to rescue the campaign, as they’re still trailing seven points behind Atalanta, who currently sit 7th in the table, a place that may or may not guarantee European football next season, based on the identity of the Coppa Italia winner.

Speaking of which, if Lazio can ride their current momentum all the way towards a cup triumph, all of their league woes will be forgiven.

But in the meantime, let us tackle some of the most interesting conclusions deduced from Sunday’s 2-0 win over Bologna.

Lazio Could Have Had Perfect Midfield

After scoring the decisive spot-kick in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals in February, Kenneth Taylor consolidated his status as the Dall’Ara’s ultimate bogeyman this season by bringing Bologna down with a second-half brace.

Needless to say, the Dutchman has been Lazio’s best signing of the season, sparking a debate among supporters regarding whether he’s an upgrade on Matteo Guendouzi.

Since Taylor had landed in Rome just one day following the Frenchman’s departure, it is easy to mistake him for a direct replacement. Nevertheless, Maurizio Sarri had made it clear that the two operations weren’t necessarily entangled.

The former Ajax man was the left-footed midfielder with an eye for goal that the manager had requested prior to the summer transfer ban. Therefore, Taylor was supposed to be the missing piece of a trio featuring Matteo Guendouzi as a right-sided box-to-box, and a fit Nicolo Rovella operating as a Regista.

Alas, injuries and transfer decisions robbed Sarri of the opportunity to put together what could have been an absolutely wonderful midfield trident.

Time For Attacking Adjustments

After earning his marching orders in the final minute against Milan. Sarri had to watch this one from the directors’ box.

Truth be told, the 67-year-old’s touchline ban wasn’t that big of a blow for the Aquile. After all, he’s not exactly the most animated figure on the sidelines, and at least he had the luxury to write his famous notes on a desk rather than his legs this time around.

So we can only hope that watching the action from above has changed the Tuscan’s perspective, allowing him to conclude the following note: “Daniel Maldini is not a centre-forward.”

The Italian head coach deserves praise for his match selections and overall game management, but his attacking choices at the start of the match were obviously wrong. While Pedro can still offer a creative touch in the final third, the 38-year-old was ill-suited for a role on the wing with the team heavily relying on counterattacks, as he was unlikely to outpace his marker in 60-meter sprints.

Moreover, Maldini has once again shown his limitations in the striker role. But the good news for Sarri is that Boulalye Dia has apparently regained his best fitness level, perhaps, finally overcoming his long-term ankle struggles. The Senegalese’s clever movement and delicate touch were behind both Lazio goals.

Therefore, the solution for the next match could be simple: Start Dia as a centre-forward, and field Maldini in his more natural role on the left wing while awaiting Mattia Zaccagni’s return from injury.

Edoardo Motta Must Learn From Gianluigi Donnarumma

While Talylor emerged as the ultimate hero on Sunday, Lazio’s afternoon would have easily spiralled if it wasn’t for Edoardo Motta’s exceptional save on Riccardo Orsolini’s penalty kick. The 21-year-old only needed three appearances to earn the manager’s trust and the fanbase’s adoration.

But as we mentioned last week, the former Reggiana man’s Achilles Heel could be his limited on-the-ball skills, as it often feels that he has a mistake within him.

Although talent cannot be acquired, Motta must follow in the footsteps (quite literally) of his more famous compatriot, Gianluigi Donnarumma, who, despite suffering from similar technical limitations, has managed to cement himself as one of the finest goalkeepers of this generation.

Gigio was able to achieve this feat through two key points: First, he worked hard to improve his footwork. So while ball distribution still isn’t isn’t strongest feature, he is at least managing to avoid blunders.

Second, Donnarumma is simply an elite shot-stopper. His ability to deny strikers was enough to convince Pep Guardiola, the man who started the sweeper-goalkeeper trend, to sacrifice his own beliefs and entrust the Italian international with the starting gloves.

Therefore, Motta is unlikely to ever become the most technically sound goalkeeper when it comes to play build-up, but if he can find the right balance, he will go on to become one of the most reputable custodians in Serie A, and perhaps beyond.