Lazio vs Sassuolo Best Combined XI: Zaccagni & Berardi on the Wings | OneFootball

On Monday evening, Lazio will host Sassuolo in a battle between two mid-table clubs who don’t have much to play for in Serie A, aside from pride and bragging rights.

Having been in Serie B last term, the Neroverdi ought to be proud of their mid-table status. Fabio Grosso’s men are riding a three-match winning streak that put them 9th in the standings, two spots ahead of the stuttering Aquile.

Considering their historic status, finishing behind the Emilian club would serve as a wound to Lazio’s pride. Nevertheless, a detailed comparison between the two squads shows that the gap in quality has well and truly shrunk, with Sassuolo having the edge in certain areas of the pitch.

So, here is, in our humble opinion, the best combined XI from Lazio and Sassuolo, while taking into account the players who aren’t currently available. Since both teams implement a 4-3-3 system, it was only fitting to adopt this formation.

Lazio & Sassuolo Combined XI (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Ivan Provedel (Lazio)

Despite his recent dip in form, most coaches would be more inclined to rely on Ivan Provedel over Arijanet Muric. Sadly for the Italian, an upcoming shoulder surgery will bring his campaign to a premature closure.

Right-Back: Sebastian Walukiewicz (Sassuolo)

After experiences at Cagliari, Empoli and Torino, Sebastian Walukiewicz is almost a Serie A veteran, despite being only 25. The Pole has been vying with Woyo Coulibaly for a starting role, and both are considered more inspiring options than Adam Marusic.

Right Centre-Back: Mario Gila (Lazio)

Many believe that Jay Idzes has what it takes to play at a bigger club, but at this moment in time, Mario Gila remains the more accomplished of the two.

Left Centre-Back: Alessio Romagnoli (Lazio)

Similar to Idzes’ case, Tarik Muheremovic has a great future ahead of him, with top suitors chasing his signature. And yet, Alessio Romagnoli has the edge thanks to his vast experience.

Left-Back: Nuno Tavares (Lazio)

Uliesses Garcia has had a great impact since joining Sassuolo in January, but Nuno Tavares is gradually returning to the levels that rendered him one of the best full-backs in Serie A last season.

Right Box-to-Box Midfielder: Ismael Kone (Sassuolo)

The 23-year-old Canadian has been one of the best revelations of the Serie A campaign. He has already contributed with five goals, a tally unmatched by any Lazio player this season.

Deep-Lying Playmaker: Nicolo Rovella (Lazio)

Sadly for the Italian, his campaign has been wrecked by two successive injuries. Nevertheless, he remains one of the most exciting Registas in Italian football, so he gets the nod over 37-year-old Nemanja Matic.

Left Box-to-Box Midfielder: Kristian Thorstvedt (Sassuolo)

The Norwegian has been passing under the radar for quite some time now. However, the 26-year-old has everything a manager would want from a box-to-box midfielder: Goals, assists, pace, tactical intelligence and a fighting spirit. He beats Kenneth Taylor and Toma Basic for the role.

Right Winger: Domenico Berardi (Sassuolo)

The iconic Sassuolo winger was the easiest choice on the list. Gustav Isaksen and Matteo Cancellieri never stood a chance.

Centre-Forward: Andrea Pinamonti (Sassuolo)

Lazio’s striker debate has been raging since Taty Castellanos’ departure. Sarr insists on fielding Daniel Maldini in the No.9 role, despite being a second striker in nature, while Petar Ratkov hasn’t convinced in his first few appearances in Rome. Andrea Pinamonti will miss Monday’s contest due to suspension, but he remains the obvious choice for our lineup.

Left Winger: Mattia Zaccagni (Lazio)

Armand Lauriente might be an explosive winger capable of scoring screamers, but Mattia Zaccagni’s deft technique and shrewdness give him a slight edge.