Baroni Opts for Bizarre Choice as Gustav Isaksen Replacement in Genoa vs Lazio Clash | OneFootball

On Wednesday, Lazio will be without Gustav Isaksen in their rescheduled Serie A contest against Genoa. So how will Marco Baroni replace his key winger?

Gustav Isaksen Suspended for Genoa vs Lazio Contest

The Dane has become a prominent figure at the club this season, as illustrated by his six goals and as many assists. On the other hand, some of the club’s other attacking options have been able to deliver convincing displays when called upon, so the manager has become reluctant to deploy them, especially at this decisive stage of the season.

Adam Marusic Set for New Role

Hence, Il Corriere dello Sport (via La Lazio Siamo Noi) expects Baroni to field Adam Marusic as a right winger in the absence of Isaksen. The Montenegrin is originally a right-back, but has often been deployed at left-back as well. He has also been used as an emergency central defender on rare occasions.

The Precedents

The Roman newspaper reveals that the 32-year-old isn’t completely unfamiliar with the winger role, as he had occupied this position in his early career years in Belgium, and has even interpreted this role on a recent occasion while on international duty.

(Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

The source also explains the reasons that prompted this expected change. Apparently, Baroni would like to protect Tchaouna following his penalty miss against Bodo/Glimt, as the report puts it, which could also mask the manager’s dissatisfaction with the French winger’s display. But if the 22-year-old can’t earn a berth in the absence of Isaksen, we might not see him start another contest this season.

Marco Baroni Left With Uninspiring Options

Tijjani Noslin is almost in the same boat, or perhaps in a slightly better spot thanks to a late equalizer against Bodo/Glimt, albeit it only delayed Lazio’s Europa League exit. Moreover, Baroni considers his old Verona pupil more of a striker than a winger. As for Pedro, he asked to be substituted on Thursday, so he may not be in ideal condition to start.

Therefore, Baroni has reportedly decided to turn to Marusic who will start as a right winger, with Manuel Lazzari the favorite to play behind him as a right-back, even though the Italian is considered more attacking-minded than the Montenegrin.