by Genziana LILLERI AFICETTI
After eight years, Lazio is preparing to face a new season without three of its most iconic players: Luis Alberto, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Felipe Anderson. These three players have represented the heart and soul of the white and blue club, contributing significantly to the team’s successes and performances in recent years. As the new season begins, fans and the club itself must adapt to this new reality and look forward to an uncertain but full of potential future.
Luis Alberto he has been a pillar of the Lazio midfield since his arrival in 2016. With 307 appearances and 52 goals in all competitions, he demonstrated extraordinary game vision, assists and the ability to score important goals. His talent and creativity have made Lazio’s midfield one of the most feared in Serie A.
Felipe Andersonwith his speed and dribbling ability, has thrilled Lazio fans since his arrival in 2013. After a spell away from the club from 2018 to 2021, the Brazilian is back to add more 326 appearances and 58 goals to his record with the blue and white shirt. His ability to create scoring chances and his dedication to the club have made him a crowd favourite.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic he was one of the most complete midfielders on the European scene during his time at Lazio. With 341 appearances and 69 goals, the Serbian combined physicality, technique and an extraordinary ability to enter the opponent’s area. His departure for Saudi Arabia in 2023 has left a void that is difficult to fill, both in terms of performance and leadership on the pitch.
With the departure of these three key players, Lazio are now faced with the challenge of having to rebuild their midfield and find new leaders on the pitch. This could represent an opportunity for young talents and new signings to emerge and make a difference. Players like Nicolò Rovella, who has already been highlighted as one of the emerging talents of Italian football, will have the opportunity to show off and take charge of the blue and white midfield. The Lazio management will now have to work hard to identify and acquire players who can fill the void left by Luis Alberto, Felipe Anderson and Milinkovic-Savic. This will not be an easy task, but with a targeted and intelligent transfer strategy, the club can find players who adapt to the game system and the team’s philosophy: as an era comes to a close, it will necessarily have to open up another thing.
