Maurizio Sarri Has Four Selection Dilemmas Ahead of Como vs Lazio | OneFootball

While we’re only a few days away from the first Serie A kickoff, Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri is still facing selection headaches.

Due to the transfer ban imposed by COVISOC, the returning manager has been working with a largely familiar squad, with the exception of the players who arrived last season while Marco Baroni was at the helm.

And yet, the landscape has vastly changed during his 15-month absence, as several key stars have departed. Moreover, some players have vastly improved, while time hasn’t been as kind to others, especially those who are on the wrong side of 30.

At this stage, Sarri has already picked the bulk of the starting lineup that will start in Sunday’s away fixture against Como, but as Il Corriere dello Sport explains, four doubts persist.

Ivan Provedel or Christos Mandas

While Ivan Provedel was the undisputed starter during Sarri’s first stint, the Italian shot-stopper lost his starting berth at the end of last season following some shaky displays.

Nevertheless, he has been showing flashes of his former self in pre-season, so the head coach seems inclined to trust him with the starting gloves, albeit Christos Mandas should get some opportunities during the course of the season.

Adam Marusic or Manuel Lazzari

Sarri often favored Adam Marusic over Manuel Lazzari during his original tenure, and little has changed upon his return. However, Lazio are heading to Como with a depleted centre-back department, as Alessio Romagnoli is suspended, while Patric and Samuel Gigot are injured.

Therefore, Mario Gila and Oliver Provstgaard should start, but the manager could decide to keep Marusic on the bench as an emergency replacement, as he was already tested at the heart of the backline in pre-season.

Danilo Cataldi or Nicolo Rovella

This is arguably Sarri’s biggest dilemma, as he’ll have to choose between his old favorite, Danilo Cataldi, and Nicolo Rovella, who emerged as one of the finest Registas in Serie A under Marco Baroni’s tutelage.

The Roman newspaper believes Rovella will have the upper hand, especially since pace is needed against Como’s energetic midfield. Matteo Guendouzi and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru will occupy the box-to-box roles.

Boulaye Dia or Taty Castellanos

Finally, Sarri will have to decide which striker will lead the line, supported by Mattia Zaccagni and Matteo Cancellieri. Sadly for Lazio, neither Boulaye Dia nor Taty Castellanos is coming off a good pre-season. In fact, neither player was able to find the back of the net in the summer friendlies, while the Argentinian added insult to injury by sparking a brawl against Atromitos.

Nevertheless, Castellanos might have the slight edge thanks to his seemingly superior physical condition, as his Senegalese teammate’s long-standing ankle issue returned to haunt him earlier in the summer.