Lazio Will Play Two Friendlies During the International Break – Dates Revealed | OneFootball

In their quest to maintain their early-season momentum, Lazio will be looking to remain active during the international break.

The Background

FIFA decided to merge the September and October international breaks into a long three-week stop, so clubs will have to find a way to keep their non-international players busy. After the 2-0 win in Venice, Lazio head coach Gennaro Gattuso confirmed that the club is planning to play two friendlies during the break.

Lazio to Host Arezzo This Sunday

According to Il Messaggero, the Biancocelesti already know the identity of their first opponent, as they will host Arezzo this Sunday (September 27). The contest is expected to take place at the club’s training facility in Formello, with the kickoff set at 15:00 local time. The Roman newspaper believes the Lazio officials could decide to welcome in a small crowd rather than play behind closed doors.

Arezzo is a Tuscan club that plays in Serie B this season. They currently lie 13th in the table after registering two wins and three losses in their first five league fixtures of the season.

Another Friendly Will Be Scheduled

The Italian capital club is also planning to take the field the following weekend, precisely on October 4. At this stage, the identity of their opponent remains anonymous, but it is expected to be another Serie B team.

Gattuso Has Limited Options Against Arezzo

It should be noted that Gennaro Gattuso will be without eight of his most important players, namely Davide Frattesi, Josip Sutalo, Oliver Provstgaard, Gustav Isaksen, Christos Mandas, Nuno Tavares, Kenneth Taylor, and Albert Gudmundsson, who were all called up for international duty.

Moreover, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Adam Marusic, and Nicolo Rovella will use the three-week break to regain their fitness and try to make themselves available for the Serie A game against Monza on October 11. Danilo Cataldi has already returned to the squad in recent weeks, but has to feature, so he could take the field for the first time against Arezzo.