Zaccagni Named New Lazio Captain After Immobile Departure
- ByEmilia Rossi --
- 2024-07-28 17:02:12 --
- 0 Comments --
- ITA
Mattia Zaccagni has announced that he has been named as the new Lazio captain for the upcoming 2024-25 season following Ciro Immobile's move to Besiktas. The Biancocelesti are in the early stages of a new project under coach Marco Baroni and have started revitalising the squad, saying goodbye to long-time favourites like Luis Alberto, Immobile and Felipe Anderson.
Lazio have brought in a number of reinforcements ahead of the new season, including Loum Tchaouna, Tijjani Noslin, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Gaetano Castrovilli and Nuno Tavares. Work is ongoing to pick up a new playmaker or forward, like Sassuolo's Armand Lauriente.
On his Instagram page, Zaccagni seemingly confirmed that Baroni handed him the Lazio captain's armband ahead of the new season, being chosen ahead of other options like Alessio Romagnoli and Danilo Cataldi.
The 29-year-old Italian winger opened up about the honour and his mindset following the decision, underlining his new responsibility in the squad.
"Being captain is a privilege, but it also means great responsibility. I'll commit and give my all to the fans, team and club to honour this armband to the fullest, after all I inherit it from a great captain."
Lazio Comfortably Cruise to Friendly Win Over Hansa Rostock
Lazio showed a number of positives in their pre-season friendly with Hansa Rostock, cruising to comfortable 3-0 win in Germany. The Biancocelesti have looked relatively solid under new coach Marco Baroni in their pre-season so far, picking up a 3-1 win over Trapani before a tough 1-1 draw with Triestina, which revealed a number of areas that need improvement ahead of the new Serie A season.
Baroni deployed a strong Lazio squad in the friendly with Hansa Rostock, starting players like Mattia Zaccagni, Valentin Castellanos, Gustav Isaksen, Matteo Guendouzi and Ivan Provedel, and new signings Loum Tchaouna and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru came off the bench.
Zaccagni put Lazio ahead in the 44th minute after a nice cross from Guendouzi was met by Castellanos, who laid it across the box for the Italian winger, making it 1-0 before half time.
The Biancocelesti came out swinging in the second half and doubled their lead in the 50th minute through Castellanos, keeping things comfortable.
In the 71st minute, Tchaouna closed out proceedings with a powerful shot following some nice play from Dele-Bashiru, allowing Lazio to close out a strong 3-0 victory over Hansa Rostock.
This Week In Lazio History | July 22-28 | Matches, Memories, Birthdays
As we approach the start of the new season, let's take a look back at some key moments in Lazio's history from the past week.
- On July 22, 2001, Lazio won the Italian Supercup, defeating Juventus 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
- July 23, 2013 saw Lazio sign striker Miroslav Klose on a free transfer from Bayern Munich.
- Lazio legend Pavel Nedved celebrated his 52nd birthday on July 30.
As Lazio continue their preparations for the new season, the club has undergone significant changes both on and off the pitch. The departure of long-time captain Ciro Immobile to Besiktas has paved the way for Mattia Zaccagni to take on the armband, showcasing the club's commitment to a new era.
The pre-season results have been promising, with Lazio showcasing a solid performance against Hansa Rostock. The additions of players like Tchaouna, Dele-Bashiru, and Castrovilli have brought a fresh dynamic to the squad, complementing the established talents of Zaccagni and Guendouzi.
As the new season approaches, Lazio fans will be eager to see how this revitalised team performs under the guidance of Marco Baroni. With a new captain at the helm and a promising mix of new and experienced players, the Biancocelesti will be hoping to make a strong statement in the upcoming Serie A campaign.
The decision to hand the captaincy to Zaccagni is a significant one, as the 29-year-old winger has proven his worth to the team over the past few seasons. His commitment, leadership, and skills on the pitch have made him a fan favourite, and the club's choice to entrust him with the armband is a testament to his growing influence within the squad.
Zaccagni's appointment as captain also reflects the club's desire to build a strong core of players who can guide the team through the upcoming challenges. With experienced heads like Romagnoli and Cataldi also in the mix, the Biancocelesti will be hoping for a seamless transition into this new era.
As the pre-season continues and the new signings settle in, the focus will shift towards the start of the Serie A season. Lazio fans will be eagerly anticipating the team's performance, eager to see if this revitalised squad can challenge for a spot in the upper echelons of the league table.
The departure of long-time favourites like Immobile, Luis Alberto, and Felipe Anderson has undoubtedly left a void, but the club's proactive approach in bringing in fresh talent suggests a clear vision for the future. Players like Tchaouna, Dele-Bashiru, and Castrovilli possess the potential to make an immediate impact, and their integration into the squad will be closely watched.
As Lazio embarks on this new chapter, the fans will be hoping for a season filled with exciting football, strong performances, and a renewed sense of optimism. With Zaccagni leading the way as the new captain, the team will be looking to establish a solid foundation for the years to come.
The pre-season results have been encouraging, but the true test will come when the competitive action begins. Lazio's ability to translate their friendly form into consistent league performances will be crucial in determining the success of this transitional period.
Under the guidance of Marco Baroni, Lazio will be aiming to instill a new identity and playing style that can bring the best out of their revamped squad. The coach's ability to integrate the new signings seamlessly and build a cohesive team will be integral to the club's aspirations for the upcoming season.
As the journey towards the new season continues, Lazio fans will be eagerly following the team's progress, hopeful that this transition period will pave the way for a bright future. With Zaccagni leading the charge as the new captain, the Biancocelesti will be looking to make a statement and establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in Serie A.