Baroni Facing Selection Dilemma Ahead of Lazio vs Bologna – Boulaye Dia Holds the Key | OneFootball

Lazio manager Marco Baroni remains undecided over which tactical formation to apply against Bologna, while Boulaye Dia’s condition could have a crucial role to play in the decision.

Tactical Headache

The Biancocelesti will resume their Serie A campaign by hosting the Emilians at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday night. The capital side will be looking to extend their six-match winning streak, but it remains to be seen if the manager will adopt his tried-and-tested 4-2-3-1 system, or maintain the 4-3-3 formation he used in the most recent outing against Monza.

Taty Castellanos to Get the Nod Upfront

According to Il Corriere dello Sport, Taty Castellanos has been tested in the centre-forward upon his return to training, supported by Mattia Zaccagni and Gustav Isaksen on the wings. If Baroni were to rely on three men in the middle of the park, Nicolo Rovella would operate as a deep-lying playmaker between Matteo Guendouzi and Matias Vecino.

Lazio Monitoring Boulaye Dia & Pedro’s Conditions

But as the Roman newspaper explains, the conditions of Dia and, to a lesser degree, Pedro will play a vital role in the final decision. The Senegalese striker was initially diagnosed with malaria upon landing in Africa before being cleared by a later test. But it remains to be seen if he managed to regain his best physical condition. As for the Spanish veteran, he had a bout with gastroenteritis earlier this week before swiftly resuming training.

An Alternative Choice

Therefore, Baroni could consider switching back to 4-2-3-1 by starting either Dia or Pedro behind Castellanos while dropping Vecino to the bench. Nevertheless, this will largely depend on their physical shape, as the coach should also take into consideration Lazio’s packed schedule over the coming weeks.