Lazio midfielder Nicolo Rovella ‘aiming to start’ Coppa Italia final against Inter Milan | OneFootball

Lazio regista Nicolo Rovella is working back towards full fitness, targeting a return with the aim of starting the Coppa Italia final against Inter Milan.

La Repubblica reports that he wants minutes on Monday against Cremonese to build a case for a starting spot at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on 13 May.

He had established himself as a key figure last season under Marco Baroni. His season has been blighted by injury, beginning with a groin problem he sought to treat through alternative therapy before surgery in November. He returned in January, then fractured his collarbone in a fall at Cagliari in February, requiring another operation.

Many had assumed his campaign was over, yet he made the bench for the 3-3 draw with Udinese. Maurizio Sarri later said he had planned to use him, but chose Nuno Tavares as the final substitute out of caution with Luca Pellegrini on a booking.

The finalists also meet in Serie A four days before the showpiece, offering another chance to shed rust. In Rovella’s absence, Danilo Cataldi has been the main deep-lying playmaker, with Patric impressing in the role recently.

Inter have long admired Rovella, having set their sights on him last summer, and a strong display in the final could revive that interest, with the champions-elect still seeking a long-term successor to Hakan Calhanoglu, who has had injury issues this season.

Source: The Laziali