Marco Baroni Hellbent on Keeping Experienced Lazio Full-Back Despite Omission | OneFootball

Lazio coach Marco Baroni is reportedly determined to maintain the services of Elseid Hysaj until the end of the season.

The Omission

The 61-year-old tactician found himself forced to make tough decisions at the start of the season due to the limited spots on the Serie A list. In the end, he chose Manuel Lazzari and Adam Marusic as his right-back options, with Nuno Tavares and Luca Pellegrini on the opposite flank, so there was no room for Hysaj.

Still in Form

The 30-year-old was also excluded from the Europa League squad, but has been eligible to play in the Coppa Italia, and managed to produce an impressive showing in the Round of 16 victory over his former employers Napoli, which piqued the interest of several suitors, and chief among them Lecce who are keen to add a quality right-back to their squad.

Marco Baroni Wants to Keep Elseid Hysaj at Lazio

But according to Calciomercato, Baroni is eager to keep Hysaj among his ranks, especially with Lazzari missing the next month or so due to a knee injury. Hence, the Albanian is now expected to linger at Formello at least until the end of the season. His contract with the Biancocelesti is valid until June 2026.

Key Role to Play in January

Thanks to a stipulation in the Serie A rules, Lazio will be able to alter their Serie A squad every week while the market is open, before having to settle on a list by the end of January. This would allow Baroni to rely on Hysaj in the league fixtures at least for the next couple of weeks, while he will also be available for the Coppa Italia ties for the rest of the campaign.