How Will Lazio Replace Zaccagni Against Napoli & Beyond? Three Options Emerge
Lazio captain Mattia Zaccagni has been sidelined after suffering a muscle injury against Cagliari, handing Gennaro Gattuso a major dilemma.
Lazio Will Be Without Mattia Zaccagni
On Wednesday, the club released an official statement confirming the injury, while unofficial sources estimate a recovery period of at least one month. This is a huge blow for the Lazio head coach, as he considers Zaccagni the one player who is virtually irreplaceable in the squad, especially in the absence of Albert Gudmundsson, who could be out until December with a dislocated shoulder.
Tijjani Noslin The Most Probable Candidate to Replace Zaccagni
Amid the lack of natural options for the left-winger role, Gattuso will have to improvise. According to Il Corriere dello Sport, switching Tijjani Noslin to a wide role is the most viable option. The in-form Dutchman has been leading the line, keeping Andrea Pinamonti on the bench. However, he is versatile enough to feature in any role in the final third.
A Golden Chance for Andrea Pinamonti
With Noslin on the left, Pinamonti will have the opportunity to return to the starting lineup and spearhead the club’s charge. Gattuso had, in fact, opted for this combination when Zaccagni left the pitch injured during the second half against Cagliari. The decision eventually paid dividends, with the Italian striker netting the all-important winner.
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La Lazio Siamo Noi also believes this is the most likely solution for Sunday’s clash against Napoli. However, Gattuso would be left without a striker on the bench whom he can introduce as an impact substitute.
Nuno Tavares in a More Advanced Role?
The source thus proposes two alternative solutions. The first is Nuno Tavares, who can be fielded in a more advanced role, with Alfonso Pedraza starting at left-back. However, the Portuguese international is also doubtful after missing Wednesday’s training session with a reported physical problem. Moreover, this role could limit his impact, as he’s most dangerous when launching long runs from his own half.
Switching Cancellieri or Isaksen
Finally, the report suggests switching one of the two right-wing options, Gustav Isaksen and Matteo Cancellieri, to the opposite side of the pitch. Maurizio Sarri had tested this solution last season, but it was mostly unsuccessful.
