Sarri Forced to Reshuffle as Lazio Winger Suffers Muscle Issue Ahead of Torino Clash | OneFootball

Lazio have been dealt a late blow ahead of Saturday’s Serie A contest against Torino, as Mattia Zaccagni is in no condition to start.

Lazio Already Had Six Players Ruled Out

Maurizio Sarri is already without four midfielders in Nicolo Rovella, Matteo Guendouzi, Matias Vecino and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, as well as full-back duo Luca Pellegrini and Adam Marusic, who picked up knocks in Genoa. The midfield crisis had already forced the manager to switch from a 4-3-3 formation to a 4-4-2 system, and he could now be set to make a late change due to yet another painful absence.

Mattia Zaccagni Gives Maurizio Sarri Late Headache

According to La Lazio Siamo Noi, Zaccagni has suffered a muscle issue in the final training session before Saturday’s clash. The club captain hasn’t been ruled out of the matchday squad, but all sources agree he won’t be in the starting lineup. It also remains to be seen if he’ll be able to join Italy’s camp after being called up by Gennaro Gattuso. This largely hinges on the upcoming test results.

Pedro to Start vs Torino?

Pedro has been identified as the favorite to replace the Italian on the left wing, thus joining an attacking force that also includes Matteo Cancellieri on the right, as well as Boulaye Dia and Taty Castellanos up front. Sky Sport Italia and La Gazzetta dello Sport expect this solution, which would maintain the 4-4-2 shape.

Reda Belahyane Offers Alternative Solution

On the other hand, La Lazio Siamo Noi believes Sarri could opt for a more conservative approach, and revert to his favorite 4-3-3 system. In this case, Reda Belahyane, who is available once again after serving a one-match ban, would join Toma Basic and Danilo Cataldi in the middle of the park, while Dia could be relegated to the bench.

Lazio Predicted lineup (4-4-2): Provedel; Hysaj, Gila, Romagnoli, Tavares; Cancellieri, Cataldi, Basic, Pedro; Dia, Castellanos.

Alternative lineup (4-3-3): Provedel; Hysaj, Gila, Romagnoli, Tavares; Belahyane, Cataldi, Basic; Cancellieri, Castellanos, Pedro.