Three Things We Learned from Lazio vs Verona: Sarri Finds His Metronome | OneFootball

Following a horrendous performance on the shores of Lake Como, Lazio bounced back in style, making short work of Hellas Verona in their first appearance in front of their adoring supporters at the Stadio Olimpico.

Although they were hosting a technically-limited team that will likely flirt with relegation throughout the campaign, Mattia Zaccagni and Co. genuinely impressed on Sunday, looking every bit of a Maurizio Sarri team. They had the rhythm, style, teamwork and determination to inflict damage with almost every play.

While there were several things to pick up from the encouraging 4-0 win, here are three takeaways that we’re going to delve into.

Nicolo Rovella is Lazio’s Metronome

With all due respect to Danilo Cataldi, the first two contests of the season highlighted the gulf in quality between the Lazio youth product and his younger teammate, Nicolo Rovella.

Again, we must stress that the returning midfielder had to deal with tough opponents in Como, while the Verona midfielders weren’t able to pose a similar threat. However, Rovella was oozing class with every touch and was directly behind the first and third goals, while also winning back possession on countless occasions.

If there was any doubt, this should put the Regista debate to bed.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru Must Know his Role

If Rovella is the team’s metronome and Matteo Guendouzi is excelling in the box-to-box role thanks to his timely insertions and ever-improving finish, then what is Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s role in the equation?

Well, every midfield needs an enforcer, and the Nigerian certainly has the physique to impose himself in the middle of the park and bully his opponent off the ball. The 24-year-old probably aspires to play a more elegant role, but he’s still lacking the technical skills and tactical understanding required to thrive in Sarri’s system.

Therefore, Dele-Bashiru must find some redeeming qualities that can force the manager to confirm him as a starter. After all, Reda Belahyane is starting to emerge as an interesting option, especially following a positive cameo against his former employers.

Oliver Provstgaard Passes the Test

Last season, Oliver Provstgaard arrived at Lazio with a low profile, and his rise has been slow but steady. The Dane has already usurped Patric and Samuel Gigot in the pecking order, and filled in admirably for the suspended Alessio Romagnoli.

However, with the former Milan captain available for selection, the 22-year-old will most likely be dropped to the bench, which would be a shame considering the young man’s dire need for playing time.

Unfortunately for Provstgaard, the lack of European football means that opportunities might scarcely come by, so he simply has to make the most of it, and perhaps he’ll eventually be trusted with a more prominent role, especially with all the uncertainty engulfing the futures of Romagnoli and Mario Gila