Three Things We Learned From Cremonese vs Lazio: Sarri’s Legacy Will Live On | OneFootball

On Monday, two sides with contrasting motives crossed paths at the Stadio Zini. While Cremonese were desperate for points to reduce the gap with Lecce before they sink deeper into the relegation waters, Lazio didn’t have much to play for, as their main objective at this point is to qualify for Europe by winning the Coppa Italia next week.

On these occasions, the more determined side tends to grab the result, and Edoardo Motta’s howler ominously suggested as much.

Nevertheless, the Aquile have gradually morphed into a more composed side in recent months, and they displayed their newfound serenity once more by completing a come-from-behind victory in the dying minutes of the game.

So it is time to delve into three talking points from Lazio’s victory over Cremonese and what it means for the near future.

Maurizio Sarri Finally Solves Tijjani Noslin Conundrum

At the start of the season, Tijjani Noslin was at the very bottom of Maurizio Sarri’s attacking pecking order. The manager explained on several occasions that he doesn’t know where to field the Dutchman, who doesn’t have a clear role.

Fast forward to Monday, the 67-year-old admitted that he may have taken the wrong stance on the former Hellas Verona star, as the latter produced another stellar showing.

Noslin initially replaced the struggling Daniel Maldini in the centre-forward role, and swiftly set up Gustav Isaksen’s equalizer with a clever assist. In the final stages of the match, he moved to the left wing following Boulaye Dia’s entrance, and he combined with the Senegalese to score a fabulous winner.

In essence, Sarri was right to be puzzled by Noslin’s ideal role, because the Dutchman has been equally efficient and decisive wherever he plays in the final third. In fact, Noslin is arguably Lazio’s best centre-forward this season, and perhaps one of the club’s best wingers as well.

All in all, Noslin’s great versatility should be something to cherish rather than lament.

Nicolo Rovella’s Return Could Make All the Difference in the Final

This season, Lazio have suffered more than 50 injuries all told, but none were more devastating than the groin issue and the collerbone fracture Nicolo Rovella sustained. These two injuries not only kept the 24-year-old on the sidelines for the bulk of the campaign, but also deprived Lazio of their most (and perhaps only) creative midfielder.

With the Genoa youth product back on the pitch in the second half, the Biancocelesti looked reinvigorated, even if he remains far from his optimal physical condition.

Sarri will be desperate to put as many minutes in the Regista’s legs as possible, as a fit Rovella could be Lazio’s secret weapon against Inter Milan in the Coppa Italia final.

New Nuno Tavares Illustrates Sarri’s Legacy

While Noslin was the main star of the show in Cremona, Nuno Tavares produced another stellar performance as his revival under Sarri continues. After the match, the head coach bragged about how he evoked the best version out of the Portuguese left-back with his carrot-and-stick approach.

Whether Sarri will be around at Formello by July is anyone’s guess at this stage. However, one thing is for sure: the manager will leave an indelible mark on the careers of several Lazio players, as depicted by Tavares’ remarkable transformation.

Therefore, even if the Tuscan manager leaves the Italian capital trophyless for the second time, his legacy will live on through the players who improved under his watchful eye.