Three Lazio Attackers Vying to Replace Zaccagni Who Could Miss Decisive Coppa Italia Tie | OneFootball

Lazio will be without their captain, Mattia Zaccagni, for at least one month after suffering a muscle injury in his right thigh.

Lazio Announce Mattia Zaccagni Injury

The club announced the dour news on Wednesday, revealing that the 30-year-old had picked up this knock during Sunday’s win over AC Milan at the Stadio Olimpico. This will not only be a blow to the Biancocelesti but also to the Italian national team ahead of next week’s crucial World Cup playoffs.

Zaccagni Could Skip Coppa Italia Clash Against Atalanta

According to Il Corriere dello Sport, Zaccagni’s second-grade injury means he’ll likely be out of action for a period between 30 and 40 days. Therefore, the skipper risks missing the decisive second leg contest against Atalanta in the Coppa Italia, which is considered Lazio’s most significant match of the season thus far.

While it remains to be seen if the 30-year-old can pull off a timely return to action, Maurizio Sarri must first plan for the club’s upcoming Serie A fixture against Bologna, which will take place at the Stadio Dall’Ara on Sunday (15:00 CET).

Pedro, Tijjani Noslin & Matteo Cancellieri in the Running

The Roman newspaper identifies three players who could fill in for Zaccagni this weekend. At this stage, Pedro is considered the favorite to get the nod, as he’s the most natural replacement down the left wing.

Tijjani Noslin represents the first alternative for the experienced Spaniard. The Dutchman is a versatile option who can cover any role in attack, and has featured as a striker earlier this season. However, the former Hellas Verona player now finds himself behind Daniel Maldini and Boulaye Dia in the pecking order, so he’ll be hoping to sneak back into the starting lineup as a left winger.

Finally, Matteo Cancellieri is the third option. The Italian winger primarily plays as an inverted right winger, but he has recently lost his starting berth to the in-form Gustav Isaksen.