Alessio Romagnoli, Gustav Isaksen, and Nuno Tavares just landed in Bologna with the rest of the Lazio squad, a sight that must be a relief for Gennaro Gattuso after last weekend’s disaster. It’s their first Serie A match on Monday, and the Biancocelesti desperately need a fresh start after getting bounced from the Coppa Italia in the most embarrassing way possible.
That Coppa Italia Collapse and a Ray of Hope
Can we even talk about last weekend without wincing? Lazio got absolutely humbled by Mantova, losing 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico in their first competitive match of the season. Eliminated! Just like that! The Coppa Italia run was over before it even began. It was a shocking defeat, the kind that makes you question everything. But now, with the Serie A campaign kicking off, Gattuso suddenly has more options at his disposal. Romagnoli, Isaksen, and Tavares are all back with the team, traveling to Bologna, and that’s gotta give the squad some kind of boost, right? Romagnoli, the Italian defender, was only out with muscle fatigue, so his return isn’t a huge shock. However, his future is still up in the air as the transfer window winds down.
The Big Catch: They’re Not 100%
Here’s the thing, though: the source insists that *none* of these guys are at their peak physical condition. Gustav Isaksen, for example, has been out since late June after groin surgery. Nuno Tavares, who Porto is reportedly after, missed most of pre-season with a knee problem. He’s “ready to play,” which sounds good on paper, but he wasn’t even spotted in the team’s flight video! Romagnoli and Isaksen were in the video, confirming they’re there, but Tavares’s presence is still in doubt. It’s great to have them back on the roster, but are they match-fit enough to make a real impact on Monday? That’s the million-dollar question after a dismal start to the season.
Still Missing Key Pieces
Even with the trio back, Gattuso’s got his hands full. Lazio is still without Danilo Cataldi, who’s facing a tough recovery from groin surgery. Long-term absentees Patric and Samuel Gigot are also still sidelined. And to top it off, new signing Josip Sutalo just completed his transfer from Ajax on Saturday, so he hasn’t even been added to the squad yet. It’s a rebuilding process, for sure. This Monday’s match against Bologna isn’t just a Serie A opener; it’s a chance to erase the memory of last weekend’s humiliation and prove they can still compete. We’ll be watching to see if these returning players, even if they aren’t at peak form, can help spark a better start to the league campaign.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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