Rovella: "It’s Been A Very Difficult Time. When You Can’t Do What You Love, It’s Always Tough. I Couldn’t Wait To Put The Lazio Shirt Back On. Now I Know I Have A Lot Of Work To Do."

Nicolò Rovella is finally back on the pitch after a long injury layoff, and now he wants Lazio to turn the page when Como visit the Olimpico.

In the club’s official match program, the midfielder spoke about Lazio’s confidence after the win in Verona, the hardest moments of his recovery, and his hope that 2026 can become a key year for both club and country.

Rovella did not hide how difficult the last months have been, especially being away from the pitch and the daily rhythm of football.

“It’s been a very difficult time. When you can’t do what you love, it’s always tough,” he explained. “Being out for almost four months is still complicated. I couldn’t wait to put the Lazio shirt back on.”

Even though he has returned, Rovella admitted he is still building his condition. He has only been back training with the group for a short period.

“Having been out for several months, my form isn’t at its best,” he said. “I’ve been working with the team again for a week… I think I’ll be close to 100 percent in a fortnight.”

One of the most emotional moments in his recent life arrived during the same Como week earlier this season, when his daughter Venere was born the night before that match.

“A crazy night,” Rovella recalled. “We had just arrived in Milan, and I had to return immediately to Rome… after spending the whole night in the hospital. These are things you never forget.”

He added that time has moved fast since then, which makes this upcoming Como match feel even more symbolic.

“I’m amazed that five months have already passed and now Como is back.”

Rovella made it clear that he wants 2026 to be his year. He admitted the injury slowed down what had been a positive start to the season, but he also revealed regular contact with national team coach Gattuso, who supported him throughout the process.

“It has to be,” Rovella said about 2026. “I started the season well, but unfortunately this injury slowed me down. Now I know I have a lot of work to do.”

He closed with a clear target: returning to full fitness and pushing for an Italy place in the key matches ahead.

“In recent months, I’ve also spoken often with coach Gattuso… This has given me even more energy to recover and try to be available for the national team for the playoffs and, hopefully, the World Cup too.”