Maurizio Sarri Ready to Improvise as Lazio Face Defensive Emergency Ahead of Como | OneFootball

Lazio will have limited options at the back in their first Serie A contest of the season against Como, which could force Maurizio Sarri to field a player in an unusual role.

Relief in Midfield

Il Corriere dello Sport sheds some light on the club’s injury front, beginning with the middle of the park. Matias Vecino and Reda Belahyane missed the Biancocelesti’s last two friendlies against Burnley and Atromitos, but they’re both expected to return to the squad for the weekend’s trip to Como, as neither suffered a serious injury.

Three Lazio Defenders Set to Miss Como Trip

On the contrary, the situation at the back is much more alarming. Alessio Romagnoli will be serving a one-match ban, while Patric was ruled out with a thigh injury last month. The source believes that the Spaniard could return if Sarri were to ask him to accelerate his recovery path, but given the player’s injury record, it is best to proceed with caution.

(Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

As for Samuel Gigot, he has also missed the last few weeks of pre-season with a back problem, while his future at Lazio remains uncertain, as the club is reportedly willing to sell him for €4 million.

Mario Gila & Oliver Provstgaard to Start vs Como

Since Mario Gila and Oliver Provstgaard are the only available centre-backs in the first team, they’re set to start against Cesc Fabregas’ men on Sunday. Aware of the situation, Sarri has been testing them together in training and in the friendlies.

Adam Marusic Prepared for New Role

But while the two defenders don’t have any natural backups, La Lazio Siamo Noi identifies Adam Marusic as the emergency option in case something comes up during the contest. The Montenegrin full-back had even confirmed it in a recent interview.