Lazio Expected to Make Two Changes in Midfield after Double Injury Boost | OneFootball

Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri is expected to revamp his midfield ahead of Sunday’s Serie A contest against Hellas Verona.

The Background

The Aquile were in complete disarray last weekend, as they opened up their campaign with a 0-2 defeat in Como. While some suggested that the head coach could decide to drop his 4-3-3 formation, most sources are tipping him to maintain his tried-and-trusted system, but he’s still expected to introduce some changes to the personnel, especially in the middle of the park.

Maurizio Sarri to Make a Couple of Changes in Lazio Midfield

According to Il Messaggero, Lazio’s midfield will be reinvigorated this Sunday, with two changes envisioned. The first is a rather obvious one, as Nicolo Rovella should reclaim his usual starting berth in the deep-lying playmaker role, relegating Danilo Cataldi to the bench.

Nicolo Rovella Back in the Starting Lineup

The 23-year-old was in line to start in Como, but he had to leave camp to witness the birth of his daughter on Saturday. Although he rejoined the squad on Sunday, Sarri opted to start with Cataldi, who failed to impose his will in the middle of the park, as he couldn’t cope with the likes of Nico Paz and Lucas Da Cunha.

Reda Belahyane to Replace Fisayo Dele-Bashiru?

Moreover, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru could also lose his spot on the left side of the midfield trio after failing to convince his manager, with Reda Belahyane potentially replacing him. The Moroccan was an unused substitute in Como, as he had only recently returned from injury, so he wasn’t in his best condition.

(Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Nevertheless, Belahyane is seemingly fit enough to start at the Olimpico against his former club. The 21-year-old is originally a Regista, but Sarri has been testing him as a box-to-box midfielder since pre-season.

Matias Vecino & Matteo Guendouzi

The good news for Lazio is that Matias Vecino has also recovered from injury and resumed group training, but the manager might be reluctant to hand him an immediate starting spot. On the other hand, Matteo Guendouzi will maintain his spot in the midfield trident, despite his weak showing at the Sinigaglia, which cost him a place in Didier Deschamps’ France squad.