Losing a derby always leaves scars, but for Marco Baroni’s Lazio, the aftermath of their defeat against Roma has gone beyond just a psychological blow. With multiple suspensions and injuries piling up, preparations for the upcoming match against Como—a special occasion marking 125 years of Lazio’s history—are proving to be a logistical nightmare.
Baroni will be without the long-injured Matías Vecino, while the recoveries of Pedro and Patric remain uncertain. Pedro was on the bench during the derby but wasn’t fit enough to play, while Patric is still battling a severe intestinal issue. Additionally, Lazio will miss three key players due to suspensions: Zaccagni, Gila, and Castellanos.
Revisiting the events of the derby, the suspension of Zaccagni seems justified. The captain received a yellow card for a tactical foul on Dybala during a Roma counter-attack. The decision was straightforward, but his absence for Friday’s game will still be a significant blow to the team.
The suspension of Gila, however, was a result of a more avoidable mistake. The Spanish defender made a risky defensive move similar to one that cost Lazio a goal in their previous match against Parma. After losing possession, Gila fouled Dybala, resulting in an automatic yellow card and subsequent suspension.
The most damaging suspension, however, is that of Castellanos, who received a direct red card in stoppage time. The incident occurred during a chaotic sequence when a second ball was thrown onto the pitch from the Roma bench. In the confusion, Castellanos, while grappling with Hummels, kicked the German defender’s thigh to free himself. Though the altercation wasn’t clear in real time, replays revealed the action, leading to the direct red card. Castellanos is now expected to serve a two-match suspension, adding to Baroni’s growing list of unavailable players.
With so many key players unavailable, Baroni is left scrambling to put together a competitive squad for Friday’s match against Como. The coach will need to rely on fringe players and hope that Pedro and Patric can recover in time to provide some depth. This new wave of absences only exacerbates the existing issues in Lazio’s squad, putting even more pressure on the team during a milestone match.
As Lazio prepares to face Como on Friday in a match meant to celebrate the club’s 125-year anniversary, they do so under challenging circumstances. The combination of injuries, suspensions, and ongoing fitness concerns has created a crisis for coach Marco Baroni. With key players like Zaccagni, Gila, and Castellanos sidelined, Lazio’s ability to field a strong side will be severely tested. How Baroni navigates this difficult period could have a significant impact on Lazio’s campaign moving forward.
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