Lazio 2025 Report Card Part 3: Midfielders & Forwards

After assessing the defensive unit, Lazio’s 2025 review naturally moves into the most unstable and revealing area of the squad: midfield and attack. This is where the contrast between the Baroni and Sarri eras became most evident, where tactical demands reshaped hierarchies, and where expectations often clashed with reality. Creativity, balance, and goals were supposed to be the engine of the team. Too often, they became its greatest source of doubt.

Lazio’s midfield and attack in 2025 were a mirror of the season itself. Fragmented, unfinished, and often dependent on circumstance rather than conviction. If the defense at least offered pillars to build upon, the offensive department enters 2026 full of questions, with answers that can no longer be postponed.

Below is the midfield and attacking report card for Lazio’s 2025 season.

Toma Bašić

Hidden away until Sarri’s arrival, then suddenly indispensable. Without Bašić, Lazio would have faced serious trouble. He stepped into the role with professionalism and reliability, exposing the club’s chronic inability to plan ahead. The rating may feel generous, but it is earned, not gifted.

Rating: 8

Danilo Cataldi

If his months in Florence were included, the score would be even higher. Sent away, not without responsibility, he returned more mature and once again essential. He was there in the second place season, and not by chance. It still raises eyebrows that Fiorentina could have bought him back for four million.

Rating: 7.5

Nicolò Rovella

Half a point deducted due to an injury affected second half of the year. Still, what he showed under Baroni remains fresh in memory, as do Sarri’s words echoing through Formello about “Jorginho like numbers”. His path is far from finished. 2026 must be the year of definitive consecration.

Rating: 7

Matteo Guendouzi

A very useful midfielder in a quality department, merely above average in a working class one. That is the full picture of Guendouzi’s 2025. Under Sarri’s six months, the limits became clearer, especially without the freedom of a two man midfield as seen under Baroni. Losing his place in the French national team is not a detail, but a symptom of a season that never truly took off.

Rating: 6.5

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru

I want to, but I can’t. Physical presence is there, tactical awareness is not. A profile unsuited to Sarri, yet one that showed flashes under Baroni. The final score is a fair compromise between potential and reality.

Rating: 5.5

Matías Vecino

An exhausting year. Injury, comeback, summer pause, then another setback and long waiting. Always subdued, never fully in tune. His free transfer exit in the summer was no coincidence. Recalled only after the market freeze to fill numbers.

Rating: 5

Reda Belahyane

Arriving at a club that publicly distanced itself from him weeks earlier was never going to be easy. Unfortunately, he did little to help himself. Twelve appearances, only two as a starter, two red cards and one assist. The numbers speak clearly.

Rating: 5

Mattia Zaccagni

Pubalgia and constant physical knocks slowed him down. Yet he remains the captain and the most technically gifted player in the squad. His season is positive, though not yet that of an undisputed leader.

Rating: 7

Gustav Isaksen

The eternal unfinished product. His great nights against Plzeň and Napoli remain, as do too many missed chances, including Udinese. Mononucleosis did not help, but the crossroads is near. He must decide who he wants to be.

Rating: 6.5

Matteo Cancellieri

After two consecutive loans, he finally got his chance. The start was promising, with goals and confidence. Injury stopped him at his peak. Now he is back, and 2026 will be his true test.

Rating: 6.5

Pedro Rodriguez

Half a point added for career alone. From March onward, decline set in, becoming evident in the second half of the year. 2026 will be his farewell season. Watching such a champion in a Lazio shirt has been a privilege.

Rating: 6.5

Valentín Castellanos

Under Baroni, a functional striker who held up Lazio’s attack despite modest numbers. Under Sarri, a puzzle. The missed penalty against Bodø Glimt will linger, though his willingness to play through pain deserves respect. Heart alone, however, is not enough. His Formello chapter appears close to its end.

Rating: 5.5

Tijjani Noslin

A few peaks, a lot of struggle. His hefty price tag inevitably weighs on the judgment, even if it is not his fault. Sarri is trying to reignite him. Next year will be decisive.

Rating: 5.5

Boulaye Dia

Where did he go. The ankle injury against Ludogorets changed everything. He lost his place in the national team, and Lazio are still obliged to redeem him. The thought alone sends shivers. Only miracles can bring back the real Dia in 2026.

Rating: 5

Loum Tchaouna

He arrived with curiosity and left without regret. A fleeting presence that failed to leave a mark, except negatively. Far from the ten times Greenwood label.

Rating: 5

Arijon Ibrahimović

Some say he still wanders the corridors of Formello waiting to be discovered. In reality, Rome never saw him.

Rating: N/A