As Lazio prepare to host Monza in their upcoming Serie A fixture, both teams are grappling with selection issues, particularly in defence.
Lazio’s full-back conundrum may find resolution with the potential returns of Manuel Lazzari and Nuno Tavares. Both players have recently resumed full training, though it’s uncertain if coach Marco Baroni will immediately reintegrate them into the starting lineup. With Luca Pellegrini excluded from the Serie A squad list and Elseid Hysaj sidelined due to a thigh injury, Baroni’s options are limited. Adam Marusic remains the sole versatile alternative, capable of playing on either flank.
The injury list for Lazio extends to Patric and Matias Vecino, who join Hysaj in recovery. However, the team’s bench is set to be bolstered by new signings Arijon Ibrahimovic, Reda Belahyane, and Oliver Provstgaard.
Monza, meanwhile, experienced significant turnover during the transfer window. The club saw several key departures, including Warren Bondo to AC Milan, Daniel Maldini to Atalanta, and Pablo Mari to Fiorentina. The striking department was particularly affected, with Milan Djuric and Mirko Maric leaving. This places increased pressure on Dany Mota and new acquisition Silvere Ganvoula to lead the attack, despite Mota’s current 12-game goalless streak in the league.
Monza’s squad depth is further tested with Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro, on loan from Lazio, being a major doubt for the match. He may join a growing list of unavailable players, including captain Matteo Pessina, Roberto Gagliardini, Luca Caldirola, and first-choice goalkeeper Stefano Turati.
Lazio (4-2-3-1): Provedel; Marusic, Gila, Romagnoli, Tavares; Guendouzi, Rovella; Isaksen, Dia, Zaccagni; Castellanos
Monza (3-4-2-1): Pizzignacco; Lekovic, Izzo, Palacios; Pereira, Urbanski, Bianco, Kyriakopoulos; Ciurria, Mota; Ganvoula
