Lazio Pay High Price After Cremonese Draw As Guendouzi Is Suspended

Lazio left the Stadio Olimpico with a bitter taste after settling for a draw against Cremonese. The disappointment was not limited to the result alone. The Biancoceleste will also be without one of their most important players for the next league match, as Matteo Guendouzi will miss the upcoming trip to Udine.

The French midfielder, born in 1999, was already on a yellow card and received another booking late in the second half against Cremonese. That caution triggers an automatic suspension, ruling him out of the match against Udinese next Saturday. It was a heavy blow in a match already overshadowed by refereeing controversy.

Once again, Lazio voiced strong protests over several decisions deemed questionable. In particular, two penalty appeals were turned down, episodes that fueled frustration on the pitch and in the stands. Guendouzi’s booking came in a tense atmosphere, making his absence feel even more costly for Maurizio Sarri’s side.

The suspension deepens an already serious midfield crisis. Against Udinese, Sarri will be forced to manage with very limited options. At present, the only available midfielders are Danilo Cataldi, the team’s playmaker and leader, Matías Vecino, whose experience remains crucial, and Reda Belahyane, a young option who has so far played a marginal role in the rotation.

Much will now depend on the outcome of Lazio’s appeal regarding the suspension of Toma Bašić. The Croatian midfielder was handed a two match ban following his red card in Parma. Should the appeal be successful, Sarri would regain an important piece to restore some balance and avoid an emergency situation in a demanding away fixture.

Lazio therefore continue to navigate a difficult phase marked by suspensions, injuries, and refereeing disputes. The draw with Cremonese leaves behind not only frustration over missed points, but also fresh concerns ahead of a season that is growing increasingly complicated with each passing week.