Regista Role In The Spotlight: Sarri Evaluates Midfield Options For The Heart Of His System

With a new campaign looming, Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri is carefully weighing his options to determine who will orchestrate play from the center of the pitch. The midfield selection is far from settled, as three candidates—Nicolo Rovella, Danilo Cataldi, and the recent acquisition Reda Belahyane—compete for what could be one of the most influential roles in Sarri’s system.

Nicolo Rovella currently stands out as Sarri’s go-to choice in midfield, having demonstrated steady growth throughout the previous season. However, his future at the club isn’t entirely secure. With a €50 million release clause written into his contract, the Italian international has become a target for Inter Milan. Sarri himself has admitted that if an attractive proposal arrives—especially one that could bring in a more attack-minded midfielder such as Frattesi—he might be willing to part ways with Rovella. Despite his clear potential, Rovella’s lack of goal contributions remains a point of discussion.

Returning to Rome after a year on loan at Fiorentina, Danilo Cataldi brings with him the experience of over 100 appearances under Sarri’s leadership. Once instrumental in Lazio’s impressive league campaign, Cataldi now faces a period of uncertainty. Fiorentina chose not to make his move permanent, and with Sarri reshaping the squad, Cataldi must prove his worth all over again. Lazio are also considering whether it makes sense to retain three specialist playmakers, given the demands of a busy fixture list.

The January signing of Reda Belahyane marks a new chapter for the Lazio midfield. The young Moroccan-French midfielder joined from Hellas Verona and is highly regarded for his technique and dynamism. Sporting director Angelo Fabiani is a firm believer in Belahyane’s potential, turning down approaches from other clubs to keep him in Rome. Sarri is eager to see how the newcomer will adapt to his tactical requirements and whether he can establish himself as a long-term solution in the center of the park.

In addition to these three, Lazio’s midfield is crowded with talent. The likes of Guendouzi, Dele-Bashiru, Vecino, and Basic are all on the books, making selection decisions even more complex. Sarri has voiced concerns about the squad’s overall depth and balance, emphasizing that further signings will likely depend on outgoing transfers to free up space and resources.

With pre-season preparations underway, Sarri faces several key decisions that will define Lazio’s prospects for the coming year. Whether he sticks with his current crop, makes a big move in the market, or promotes fresh faces like Belahyane, the choices made now will have lasting consequences for the Biancoceleste’s ambitions.