Young Wingback Set for Lazio Return – Should Gattuso Keep Him? | OneFootball

Lazio academy product Romano Floriani Mussolini will reportedly return to Formello this summer following his loan spell at Cremonese.

The Background

The 23-year-old rose through the Biancocelesti’s youth ranks, and then had two experiences in the lower tiers with Pescara and Juve Stabia. The wing-back’s exploits in Serie B earned him his first chance in the top flight, as Cremonese decided to bet on him. The Roman completed a loan switch to the Lombardian club with an option to buy for €5 million, while Lazio reserved a 50% sell-on fee.

Cremonese Suffer Relegation

After a superb start to the season under Davide Nicola, Cremonese suffered a mid-season collapse. Marco Giampaolo was brought in to steady the ship, but it wasn’t enough to prevent an immediate relegation to Serie B following an 18th-place finish.

Cremonese Won’t Buy Romano Floriani Mussolini

According to La Lazio Siamo Noi, Cremonese’s demotion sealed Floriani Mussolini’s fate, as the club opted against retaining him. It should also be noted that the right-back wasn’t a regular starter this season. He made 28 appearances in Serie A, but only 12 from the start, and contributed with three assists.

Lazio Need Young Blood at Right-Back

After a learning experience in the first tier, the young Italian could be added to Lazio’s squad. The Aquile have parted ways with Elseid Hysaj, while Manuel Lazzari is facing an uncertain future. Adam Marusic signed a new contract earlier this year, but he’s already 33. Therefore, the team certainly needs a younger option at right-back.

Will Gennaro Gattuso Add Floriani Mussolini to Lazio Squad?

It remains to be seen if incoming Lazio head coach Gennaro Gattuso will finally be willing to give Floriani Mussolini a chance, unlike his predecessors, Maurizio Sarri and Marco Baroni, who never included him in their plans.