Lazio striker Taty Castellanos could get the nod ahead of club captain Ciro Immobile in Saturday’s Derby della Capitale against Roma.
Besides the bragging rights synonymous with the Roman Derby, this edition will be particularly significant for the two clubs’ European aspirations. The Biancocelesti must win if they wish to maintain their hopes of securing a Champions League berth for the second year running.
Therefore, Igor Tudor will be determined to get his lineup on cue in what will be his third match in charge following his mid-season appointment. La Lazio Siamo Noi expects him to maintain his 3-4-2-1 system while introducing a few tweaks in the personnel.
Castellanos is reportedly the favorite to lead the line, thus dropping Immobile to the bench following his disappointing outing against Juventus in the Coppa Italia. After playing as a central midfielder last weekend, Daichi Kamada may feature as one of the two attacking midfielders in the Derby.
Luis Alberto will be hoping to line up alongside the Japanese as part of the attacking trident. However, his starting berth is far from certain at this point. As the source tells it, Gustav Isaksen and Pedro remain viable alternatives for the same spot.
In the middle of the park, Danilo Cataldi and Mateo Guendouzi should join forces in the double pivot. As for the wings, Felipe Anderson and Adam Marusic will maintain their spots with Mattia Zaccagni and Manuel Lazzari ruled out with injuries.
Alessio Romagnoli and Mario Gila have locked in their spots at the back, while Nicolo Casale and Patric are vying for the third berth. Finally, Christos Mandas will continue to deputize for the injured Ivan Provedel between the posts.
Furthermore, Tudor should receive a boost with Nicolo Rovella and Luca Pellegrini recovering from their knocks. The former Juventus duo are now pushing for a Derby call-up, but they certainly won’t be in the starting lineup.
Lazio Probable XI (3-4-2-1): Mandas; Patric (Casale), Romagnoli, Gila; Marusic, Cataldi, Guendouzi, Felipe Anderson; Kamada, Luis Alberto (Isaksen/Pedro); Castellanos
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