Sarri Weighs Final Options As Lazio Prepare Serie A List

Lazio’s preseason has been marked by one major question: which players will Maurizio Sarri leave out of his squad list for Serie A? The rules are clear: only 25 players can be registered, with a strict limit of 17 over-age players. At the moment, Lazio have 19, meaning two players must be excluded before the season gets fully underway.

During his presentation press conference, Sarri himself admitted: “There are too many.” By regulation, the squad list must include four youth products from Lazio, four players trained in Italy, and 17 senior players, while players under 23 can be added without restriction. With the current roster exceeding the limit, two senior names must go.

At first, speculation centered on midfielder Toma Basic, along with forwards Cancellieri and Noslin. Later, defenders such as Hysaj and Patric also entered the discussion.

Over the course of the training camp, the situation shifted dramatically. Samuel Gigot, who joined Lazio last year, has not convinced Sarri and continues to struggle with back problems. He has now fallen to fifth in the central defender rankings, even behind youngster Provstgaard. His €1.8 million salary also weighs on the club’s finances, making him a prime candidate for exclusion.

Meanwhile, Patric, though a long-time Sarri favorite, is battling a muscle injury that could keep him out until September. This has placed his status in doubt, though his loyalty and versatility still count in his favor.

Elsewhere, the futures of Hysaj, Lazzari, and Pellegrini remain uncertain, with Lazio possibly considering moves to lighten the squad in the full-back department.

By mid-August, Sarri had made his first move: Gigot will be cut from the Serie A squad. Transfer interest is already arriving, with offers from Qatar, Dubai, and PAOK Thessaloniki, suggesting a departure could be imminent. Lazio would be happy to recoup €3–4 million for the Frenchman, who has never truly settled in Rome.

That leaves one more player to be sacrificed. Reports suggest the choice will likely fall between Isaksen and Patric. The Dane has shown flashes of quality in preseason, but may need more time to prove himself. Sarri is expected to evaluate him again against Verona on Matchday 2 before making a final call.

Noslin, who was also at risk, may have revived his chances with a recent goal in Rieti. Meanwhile, cutting either Lazzari or Pellegrini seems unlikely, given their importance as cover for the full-back roles.

The final squad must be submitted by September 1, but Lazio’s coaching staff want clarity before the opening matches. Ahead of the game against Como, it is already confirmed that Gigot will not be included. The decision on the second player will be made soon, with Sarri carefully balancing form, fitness, and squad needs.