As Lazio and Napoli gear up for their Coppa Italia encounter, both teams face selection challenges due to injuries and the need for rotation. Lazio will be without key players Nuno Tavares and Matias Vecino, while Gaetano Castovilli continues his recovery from knee surgery. The home side’s attack may be further compromised if Boulaye Dia’s ankle problem persists, potentially disrupting his effective partnership with top scorer Taty Castellanos.
Marco Baroni is expected to make several changes to his lineup, similar to his approach in the Europa League. Pedro, Samuel Gigot, and cup goalkeeper Christos Mandas are likely to feature in the starting eleven.
On the visitors’ side, Napoli’s manager Antonio Conte has hinted at possible tactical adjustments and squad rotation. With an eye on the upcoming league fixture between the two teams, Conte is considering giving more playing time to Italy forward Giacomo Raspadori. The coach confirmed that, barring Pasquale Mazzocchi’s injury, he has a full squad at his disposal.
Regular starters such as Romelu Lukaku, Scott McTominay, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia might be rested for this cup tie. This could open up opportunities for players like Raspadori, David Neres, and Leonardo Spinazzola to showcase their abilities and stake a claim for more regular involvement.
Lazio (4-2-3-1): Mandas; Marusic, Gigot, Patric, Pellegrini; Rovella, Guendouzi; Tchaouna, Pedro, Noslin; Castellanos
Napoli (4-2-3-1): Caprile; Di Lorenzo, Marin, Jesus, Spinazzola; Folorunsho, Gilmour; Neres, Raspadori, Ngonge; Simeone
