Lazio coach Sarri to abandon his trusted 4-3-3 due to midfield crisis | OneFootball

Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri is reportedly set to abandon his tried-and-tested 4-3-3 in Monday’s visit to Genoa, as the Biancocelesti face a midfield crisis due to injuries and suspensions.

According to reports from the Gazzetta dello Sport today, the coach is considering switching to a 4-2-3-1 as Danilo Cataldi is the only midfielder Sarri has available to him for the match.

Gazzetta suggest that Cataldi will play in defensive midfield, alongside centre-back Mario Gila, as Sarri seeks to make the best out of a bad situation.

SASSUOLO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 14: SS Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and SS Lazio at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on September 14, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Lazio midfield crisis worsens after Derby della Capitale defeat

Last weekend, Lazio lost 1-0 to fierce local rivals Roma in the first Derby della Capitale of the season.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru went off with an injury early into the game and two red cards for Reda Belahyane and Matteo Guendouzi took matters from bad to worse for the Biancocelesti.

Dele-Bashiru is set to miss a month through injury, adding to the pre-existing concerns for Matias Vecino and Nicolo Rovella.

SASSUOLO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 14: Nicolò Rovella in action during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and SS Lazio at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on September 14, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – Getty Images)

Rovella & Vecino latest as Sarri scrambles to recover midfielders

Both Vecino and Rovella are listed as injured but have not yet been completely ruled out of Monday’s trip to Genoa.

Rovella is reportedly suffering from pubalgia (a sports hernia) and he may have to undergo surgery to repair the affected tendons.

Vecino, meanwhile, has recovered from a muscular injury and is set to return to full training this week. However, the Uruguayan has not played in over 2 months and therefore is unlikely to be able to play the full 90 minutes, even if he is available.