Lazio Stars Could Get Their Wish as Sarri Reflects on Permanent Formation Change | OneFootball

Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri was forced to launch a new formation on Monday, and some believe it is here to stay.

Lazio’s Midfield Crisis

The Biancocelseti travelled to Genoa deprived of the services of five first-team midfielders. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Nicolo Rovella and Matias Vecino are injured, while Matteo Guendouzi and Reda Belahyane were banned after receiving red cards in the Derby della Capitale.

System Change Pays Off for Lazio

With only two midfielders available at his disposal in the shape of Danilo Cataldi and Toma Basic, the manager had no choice but to drop his favorite 4-3-3 system and go for a 4-4-2 (or 4-2-3-1) formation. Curiously, Sarri’s plan worked to perfection, at least against a dysfunctional Genoa side, with Lazio prevailing by three unanswered goals at the Luigi Ferraris.

Maurizio Sarri Could Maintain 4-2-3-1 Formation

According to Il Messaggero, this temporary solution could become permanent, especially with Taty Castellanos and Boulaye Dia performing better while playing side-by-side rather than vying for a spot. This was also the conclusion that Marco Baroni drew last season when he opted to switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Nevertheless, the report notes that Sarri’s new formation is vastly different from Baroni’s in terms of style, despite being numerically identical. After all, the current Lazio boss opts for a systematic, well-organised approach, while the Torino coach relishes chaos.

Lazio Players Asked Sarri to Change his System

The source also adds that some of the locker-room leaders had already pleaded with Sarri to drop his 4-3-3 formation in favor of a system that is more suited to the characteristics of his players following the opening-day defeat to Como. Hence, it remains to be see if the manager will grant them their wish.