Marco Baroni Reveals Why He Excluded Luca Pellegrini From Lazio Lists, Provides Injury Updates

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The Laziali

·8 February 2025

Marco Baroni Reveals Why He Excluded Luca Pellegrini From Lazio Lists, Provides Injury Updates

After days of speculations, Lazio coach Marco Baroni explained the main reason behind his controversial selections which saw Luca Pellegrini left out from the lists.

The Background

The 25-year-old’s omission dominated the headlines in recent days, as he failed to make the cut in both Serie A and Europa League squads. The coach decided to replace him with Elseid Hysaj (who was selected on both lists), while Toma Basic was surprisingly included in the Serie A list.

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Marco Baroni Reveals Why Luca Pellegrini is Off the Lists

While some claimed the club is looking to avoid activating the player’s obligation-to-buy clause from Juventus, Baroni explained that the left-back’s lack of effort in training prompted the decision. The manager revealed as much in his press conference (via La Lazio Siamo Noi) ahead of Sunday’s Serie A contest against Monza.

Two factors have influenced the exclusion of the new players (Ibrahimovic, Belahyane and Provstgaard) from the UEFA list. First, they still need time to adjust. Second, those who played in the group stage have more merit. As for Pellegrini, it was my choice, absolutely. Clearly it arises from some considerations. The first is that within the team, I base everything on a sacredness, the group comes before players and coaches. This is within the sacrifice, the ability to give everything in training. We must give 120%, not 70% or 80%. Therefore, I believe Luca can have the opportunity to bounce back, as the door is still open. Indeed, I thank him because he worked hard in the last two days. I want to see this desire every day, the dedication to return to the team. I have already showed my faith in him in the first half of the season. I played him more than any other coach.

A Word on Monza

As for the weekend contest, Baroni insisted the team will have to show some grit as it won’t be an easy match despite playing the team that resides at the bottom of the table.

It’s a high-risk match as Monza are in trouble, but it is a team that is focused. They know they don’t have too many chances left, so this is where the difficulties lie. We will have to be focused on putting up a performance, with determination and competitive ferocity. We need rhythm, desire and determination.

The Injury Front

The 61-year-old also delivered some encouraging updates on his injured players, even Elseid Hysaj sustained a thigh injury last week.

Nuno Tavares and Lazzari will play. If not from the start, then during the match. As for Hysaj, he’s on the lists. so I clearly hope to have him back as soon as possible. I had no doubts about his capabilities. In the beginning, different choices made by the club, I cannot get into the economic issues. When the door reopened, he came back with us. Matias Vecino is important for us, he is close to returning like Patric. They are almost two new signings as they have been away for a long time. They represent an extraordinary added value for the team.