La Liga side Real Betis launched a last-ditch attempt to lure Matias Vecino away from Lazio on the deadline day. However, as per Il Messaggero (via LazioNews24), Biancocelesti never entertained the prospect of selling their midfielder and instantly rebuffed the Spaniards’ approach. 

Lazio had a busy summer. As many as eight new players have joined Maurizio Sarri’s troops, three senior midfielders included. Matteo Guendouzi, Daichi Kamada, and Nicolo Rovella are the new dressing-room members at the Stadio Olimpico. But replacing Sergej Milinkovic-Savic could prove an arduous task. 

Maurizio Sarri’s stellar recruitment campaign had perhaps led Betis to believe Lazio would consider offers for Vecino. But Sarri sees the 32-year-old as a significant first-team cog. The ex-Inter star made 44 appearances for Biancocelesti last season, helping the club secure an admirable runner-up finish in Serie A. 

Vecino’s contribution to Lazio’s cause has secured him a household status in the capital. He was on the field as Lazio stuttered in dismal defeats to Lecce and Genoa at the beginning of the new Serie A campaign. Despite a poor string of performances, the Uruguayan will probably be in the starting lineup when Biancocelesti meet Napoli on Saturday evening.

With the international break waiting around the corner, Lazio will be desperate to avoid opening a new season on a three-game losing run for the first time in the club’s top-flight history. But there’s hardly a more challenging opponent than defending champions Napoli. 

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