Lazio Midfield Emergency Forces Sarri to Change Formation for Udinese Clash | OneFootball

Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri is reportedly working on a new formation ahead of Saturday’s contest against Udinese, as he finds himself with a ravaged midfield department.

Four Lazio Midfielders out of Action

The Biancocelesti have been without Nicolo Rovella since September. The Italian has been struggling with a groin injury, which forced him to undergo surgery last month. For his part, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru joined Nigeria’s squad for the African Cup of Nations.

Matteo Guendouzi (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Toma Basic was slapped with a two-match ban for what was deemed ‘violent conduct’ against Parma, and Matteo Guendouzi joined the Croatian on the sidelines by picking up his fifth booking of the season on Saturday against Cremonese.

Lazio to Play 4-2-2 Against Udinese

According to Il Corriere dello Sport, the lack of options in midfield will prompt Sarri to change his 4-3-3 formation to a 4-4-2. This wouldn’t be a complete precedent, as the manager had already adopted this formation during a previous midfield crisis in the aftermath of September’s Derby della Capitale against Roma.

Danilo Cataladi & Matias Vecino in the Double Pivot

Danilo Cataldi and Matias Vecino should start in the double pivot, while Reda Belahyane will be the only option off the bench. Mattia Zaccagni will return from his suspension to regain his automatic starting role on the left wing, with Matteo Cancellieri on the opposite flank. Gustav Isaksen should resume training this week, but it remains uncertain if he’ll be fit enough to challenge for a starting berth.

Tijjani Noslin to Start Alongside Taty Castellanos

In attack, Taty Castellanos should link up with Tijjani Noslin. The Argentine often performed better when paired with another attacker, as evidenced by outings alongside Boulaye Dia. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen if a collaboration with the Dutchman will be equally fruitful.

Lazio Hoping to Overturn Basic’s Suspension

Il Messaggero also reports the same news, but adds that Lazio are still awaiting the result of their appeal against Basic’s two-match ban. The club is claiming the fourth official, who mentioned the ‘violent conduct’ in his report, didn’t have a good view of the incident involving the Croatian and Parma’s Nahuel Estevez.

However, the newspaper admits that the Biancocelesti’s hopes remain slim on this front. In any case, the verdict is expected to be communicated on Wednesday.