Lazio face Roma derby without captain Zaccagni as injury reshapes squad selection
Italian media outlets report potential lineup changes across the pitch, with Pedro tipped for a final derby appearance before retirement.
Lazio will be without captain Mattia Zaccagni for Sunday’s Derby della Capitale against Roma, following a new muscle injury sustained during the recent Coppa Italia final defeat to Inter Milan. The absence of the winger, who has been plagued by physical issues since pre-season, represents a significant blow to the squad as they prepare for the high-profile clash with their arch-rivals.
Italian media outlets Il Corriere dello Sport and La Gazzetta dello Sport have identified potential replacements for Zaccagni’s role on the left wing. Il Corriere dello Sport suggests that Pedro could be selected to start on the left flank, marking his final Derby della Capitale before he retires at the end of the season.
Alternative attacking options include Tijjani Noslin, who is also expected to start on the left, with varying predictions for the centre-forward position. La Gazzetta dello Sport expects Noslin to feature on the flank with Daniel Maldini playing as a centre-forward, while also citing Boulaye Dia as a favorite to lead the line instead. Matteo Cancellieri is expected to replace Gustav Isaksen on the right wing.
In midfield, Nicolo Rovella and Kenneth Taylor are considered certain starters. Toma Basic is expected to retain his place in the midfield trident, although La Lazio Siamo Noi suggests Fisayo Dele-Bashiru could be an alternative on the right side of the midfield.
Defensively, Mario Gila and Oliver Provstgaard are set to start in central defence due to the suspension of Alessio Romagnoli. Adam Marusic is expected to remain at right-back despite scoring an own goal in the Coppa Italia final, as he remains the manager’s trusted option in that position.
Sources disagree on the left-back position, with Il Corriere dello Sport favouring Luca Pellegrini and La Lazio Siamo Noi backing Nuno Tavares to keep his place. The probable lineup reflects these uncertainties, with multiple combinations suggested for the attacking and defensive lines.
