Maurizio Sarri Testing Alternative Lazio Formation in Pre-season

Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri is renowned for preferring a 4-3-3 tactical system, but the squad is also testing other formations.

The Background

In the first four days of pre-season, the Biancocelesti underwent double training sessions. But as La Lazio Siamo Noi reports, the manager opted to give the players a breather on Friday morning, before resuming work in the afternoon. The team focused on attacking patterns in their practice drills before engaging in a mini-match between the ranks.

Which Lazio Players Missed the Session

Gustav Isaksen, Mattia Zaccagni, Samuel Gigot, Patric, and Luca Pellegrini all missed the training session as they’re currently recovering from various physical problems. As for those who attended the session, they were split into two teams, with the greens playing in Sarri’s tried-and-tested 4-3-3 formation, while the reds portrayed a 4-2-3-1 system.

Maurizio Sarri Tests 4-2-3-1 Formation

For the red team, Nicolo Rovella and Matteo Guendouzi connected in the double pivot, as it was often the case in Marco Baroni’s 4-2-3-1 system, while Fisayo Dele-Bashiru was tested as an attacking midfielder in between Tijjani Noslin and Sana Fernandes, with Boulaye Dia leading the line.

(Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Nevertheless, it was the green side that prevailed thanks to goals from Mario Gila and Pedro. The squad then trained on set pieces before ending the session.

The Lineups

Red Team (4-2-3-1): Mandas;  Marusic, Ruggeri, Provstgaard, Tavares; Guendouzi, Rovella; Noslin, Dele-Bashiru, Sanà Fernandes; Dia.

Green Team (4-3-3):  Provedel; Lazzari, Gila, Romagnoli, Hysaj; Belahyane, Cataldi, Vecino; Cancellieri, Castellanos, Pedro.