Football Season Guide

Having incredibly failed to finish among the top 4 in the past season, thus not achieving qualification to the Champions League, Lazio were expected to be dismantled over the summer. After all, that should have meant less funds available for the transfer campaign. Against all expectations, though, they only lost two of the main protagonists of the past quasi-successful cavalcade. Coach Simone Inzaghi, the architect of their successes, despite causing the interest of some bigger clubs for all the good done in the past two years at Lazio, will still be at the helm and he should have been given by President Lotito enough means for reaching further improvements in the current season. In fact, Stefan De Vrij, who played more than a 100 games in 4 years at Lazio, proving all his skills in the heart of the defence , was lured away by Inter money and refused to re-sign for the Eagles. His place in the back four should be taken by Francesco Acerbi, who arrives from Sassuolo after playing more than 170 games and defeating a tumour. The Italian defender should represent a perfect replacement for the Dutch-man. Felipe Anderson was the other player who left for pastures new, having been sold to West Ham United. Genius and eccentricity, the Brazilian was literally unstoppable in his best days and irritating in the worst: his lack of consistency will not be missed. Joaquin Correa, who last played for Sevilla, will be expected to replace him in the heart of the supporters. Lazio also signed Silvio Proto, who should become a valid alternative to Thomas Strakosha in the goal, Riza Durmisi, who could give Lukaku on the left flank of the midfield some rest when needed, Milan Badelj, a perfect replacement for Lucas Leiva, while Valon Berisha too could get some relevant playing time in the midfield. Ciro Immobile, last season’s top scorer, and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, a giant in the midfield, are still playing for the Eagles and, unless any irresistible offer arrives, they should still do so.