The powers that be at the Stadio Olimpico have confirmed that Lazio will face Udinese without two of their most trusted lieutenants in the middle of t...
The powers that be at the Stadio Olimpico have confirmed that Lazio will face Udinese without two of their most trusted lieutenants in the middle of the park. According to exclusive information gathered by GoalZaza, midfield linchpin Danilo Cataldi and the explosive winger Mattia Zaccagni have both been omitted from the matchday squad for this weekend's Serie A engagement. This development, which has sent ripples through the Roman camp, leaves manager Maurizio Sarri with a considerable headache as he seeks to maintain the club's push for a top four finish. In the scheme of things, the absence of Cataldi is particularly telling. The stalwart Italian international, known for his crisp distribution and positional discipline, is the engine room of this Lazio side. Without him, the Biancocelesti lose a major component of their build up play. Zaccagni, on the other hand, provides the flair and direct running from the flanks that so often unsettles opposing defenders. With these two key figures missing, the lion's share of creative responsibility will now fall on the shoulders of Luis Alberto and Sergej Milinkovic Savic. GoalZaza has learned that Sarri is likely to turn to the reliable but less gifted Marcos Antonio to fill the void in midfield, while Pedro is expected to start on the left wing. The probable starting eleven suggests a 4. 3. 3 formation with Immobile leading the line. The Nigerian international at the heart of the Biancocelesti defense, although not directly affected by these absences, will have to marshal his backline with extra vigilance against a Udinese side that will be looking to capitalize on any disorganization. For the fans gathered at viewing centers in Surulere and along the axis of Ikeja, the news of these omissions will be greeted with a mix of concern and calculated optimism. You would see the men in the white jerseys, leaning forward in their plastic chairs, muttering about how a club of Lazio's size must have the depth to weather such a storm. Some will argue that this is a chance for the bench players to prove their mettle, while the more experienced heads will simply shake their heads and order another round of malt drink, fully aware that in football, as in life, the team that handles its crises best is the team that ultimately triumphs.
