Nuno Tavares is a genuine problem for Lazio

Originally posted on Football Italia | Last updated Dec 8, 2025 12:08 PM ET

Nuno Tavares gives his best when on the attack, that is no secret, but if he doesn’t give at least 15-20 per cent in defence, then it becomes a serious problem for Lazio.

The former Arsenal man was notorious for his weaknesses even before coming to the Stadio Olimpico, and those issues have only been brought into sharp relief in Maurizio Sarri’s 4-3-3 formation.

Tavares simply does not know how to defend

ROME, ITALY – MAY 25: Santiago Pierotti of US Lecce challenges Nuno Tavares of Lazio during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Lecce at Stadio Olimpico on May 25, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Fresh from providing an assist for Mattia Zaccagni to decide the Coppa Italia tie against AC Milan, Tavares played a dismal first half with Bologna yesterday, before he was hauled off at half-time.

The Bologna equaliser, with Nadir Zortea’s nutmeg, was somewhat embarrassing, but even before that Tavares had made an impression with misplaced passes, a futile yellow card offence on Riccardo Orsolini, and various distractions.

ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 07: SS Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on December 07, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

If we think back to the serious error in the derby that allowed Roma to break through, the conclusion inevitably is that Tavares cannot at this time be a first choice left-back for Lazio.

Now the club has to evaluate carefully over the next transfer window on what to do about this, having previously turned down some big offers last summer.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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