Torino vs Lazio Best Combined XI: Two Granata Stars Make the Cut | OneFootball

On Sunday, Torino will host Lazio in a Serie A contest between two clubs that share several common denominators this season.

After all, both fanbases have revolted against the owners (Urbano Cairo and Claudio Lotito), who haven’t been able to deliver on their promises of a prosperous future, as evidenced by the two teams’ current league standings (15th and 10th, respectively).

When the two sides crossed paths in Rome earlier in the season, the razor-tight affair ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw. Nevertheless, the Biancocelesti’s squad remains superior in terms of quality, as we shall see when dissecting the two teams position by position.

Goalkeeper: Ivan Provedel (Lazio)

This is probably the easiest choice on the list, as Franco Israel lost his starting berth to 33-year-old journeyman Alberto Paleari, and neither custodian would stand a chance against Ivan Provedel.

Right-Back: Adam Marusic (Lazio)

Adam Marusic might not be the most inspiring right-back in the league, but he remains a defensively sound player who is considered untouchable in Maurizio Sarri’s plans. On the other hand, Marcus Andersen hasn’t quite impressed this season.

Right Centre-Back: Mario Gila (Lazio)

The Spaniard’s campaign has been blighted by a few blunders, especially when trying to carry the ball forward, but Sarri wouldn’t replace him with the likes of Saul Coco, Guillermo Maripan, or Adrian Ismajli.

Left Centre-Back: Alessio Romagnoli (Lazio)

The Lazio wantaway is arguably head and shoulders above any Torino centre-back, so his spot in the lineup was never up for debate.

Left-Back: Nuno Tavares (Lazio)

Although he isn’t enjoying his most successful campaign, Nuno Tavares is arguably a better left-back than Luca Pellegrini and Valentino Lazaro.

Nuno Tavares (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Deep-Lying Playmaker: Nicolo Rovella (Lazio)

Unfortunately for Nicolo Rovella, his season has been wrecked by two long-term injuries. Nevertheless, he remains one of the finest Registas in Serie A, at least based on last season’s exploits.

Box-to-Box Midfielder: Kenneth Taylor (Lazio)

Following his arrival in Rome, Kenneth Taylor instantly cemented himself as a key player at Lazio. This was probably a Pick-’em between the Dutchman and his teammate, Toma Basic. On the other hand, Torino’s young midfield contingent of Cesare Casadei, Ivan Ilic, Emirhan Ilkhan, and Gvidas Gineitis hasn’t been consistent.

Right Winger: Gustav Isaksen (Lazio)

After a slow start to the season, plagued by mononucleosis, Gustav Isaksen is gradually regaining his best form and has already retaken his starting spot from Matteo Cancellieri.

Attacking Midfielder: Nikola Vlasic (Torino)

The Croatian is the type of creative attacking midfielder that Lazio’s squad has been sorely lacking since Luis Alberto’s departure. Without his six goals and three assists, Torino would have arguably been in the relegation zone.

Left Winger: Mattia Zaccagni (Lazio)

This was a straightforward choice as the Granata’s squad doesn’t include a winger capable of posing a threat to Mattia Zaccagni.

Striker: Giovanni Simeone (Torino)

Many Lazio fans would have loved to accommodate Giovanni Simeone. The Argentine has faded in recent months, but he has already bagged five goals, more than any Lazio player this season.

Torino vs Lazio Combined XI