Lazio Star Slapped With Two-Match Ban in UEFA Europa League | OneFootball

Lazio have been dealt a harsh blow, as Nicolo Rovella has reportedly received a two-match ban in the UEFA Europa League.

The Background

The Italy international was given his marching orders in the first leg of the Round of 16 against Viktoria Plzen after inadvertently kicking Pavel Sulc in the head with an elevated boot. The match official initially handed him a yellow card, but was summoned for an on-field review by the VAR, which prompted a swift change in his decision.

Surreal Scenario

Rovella was then followed suit by Samuel Gigot who was also sent off for a late two-footed lunge on Cadu. But despite being reduced to nine men, the Serie A club somehow managed to find a last-ditch winner through Gustav Isaksen and head towards the second leg in Rome with a significant advantage in hand.

Nicolo Rovella Handed Two-Match Europa League Ban

But according to Il Corriere dello Sport (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Rovella’s red card could return to haunt the Aquile, even if they manage to qualify for the Europa League quarter-finals, as UEFA has decided that Rovella’s dangerous challenge is worthy of a two-match ban.

So in addition to missing Thursday’s second-leg against Viktoria Plzen, the midfielder would also skip the first leg of the quarters if Lazio were to advance.

Will Lazio Struggle Without Nicolo Rovella

This is a crucial blow for Marco Baroni’s men considering the player’s importance to the playing system. For instance, the Bianconcelesti couldn’t find their rhythm in Monday’s 1-1 draw against Udinese while Rovella was out with a slight muscle problem.

Samuel Gigot Receives One-Match Ban

As for Gigot, he will only serve a one-match suspension, so he would be available for both quarter-final clashes. Lazio would likely play Bodo/Glimt who won the first leg over Olympiakos by three unanswered goals.