Two Lazio Key Players Set to Return for Coppa Italia Semi-Final
· Yahoo Sports
Lazio are expected to regain the services of Toma Basic and Mattia Zaccagni for the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final against Atalanta. On Saturday, the two clubs met in a dress rehearsal at the deserted Stadio Olimpico, which ended with La Dea’s 2-0 win.
The Background
While Maurizio Sarri’s team didn’t perform badly, the team still displayed weaknesses in some areas, as Fisayo Dele-Bashiru was mostly ineffective in the middle of the park, while the attacking trident was lacking a certain flair. Therefore, the head coach is certainly eager to have Basic and Zaccagni back at his disposal.
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Toma Basic Returns to Lazio Training
According to Il Messaggero, the Croatian midfielder will resume training with his teammates this week. While it remains to be seen if the 29-year-old will be fit enough to start in Cagliari next weekend or against Torino on March 1, he will definitely earn some playing time ahead of the big cup tie, which will take place at the Stadio Olimpico on March 4.
Adam Marusic, Toma Basic and Mattia Zaccagni (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Basic picked up a slight muscle problem during the Serie A clash against Juventus a week ago. He was thus replaced at half-time, and missed the Coppa Italia quarter-final in Bologna, as well as Saturday’s league contest against Atalanta.
Mattia Zaccagni Eyeing Swift Return
On the other hand, Zaccagni has been ruled out with a Grade II abdominal muscle strain that he suffered in late January, and has already skipped four matches in all competitions. As the source reveals, the Lazio captain will certainly be available for the semi-final. He has also expressed his desire to be called up for the Sardinian trip this weekend, but this remains a major doubt.
Mario Gila Set for Clinical Tests
Finally, Mario Gila, who had to be replaced at half-time on Saturday, is suffering from an inflammation in the patellar tendon in his left knee. He is expected to undergo MRI tests between Monday and Tuesday to determine the severity of his injury.