The former Arsenal player was known for his weaknesses even before arriving at the Stadio Olimpico, and those problems have only been highlighted in Maurizio Sarri’s 4-3-3 formation.
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Tavares simply doesn’t know how to defend
ROME, ITALY – MAY 25: Santiago Pierotti of US Lecce challenges Nuno Tavares of Lazio during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Lecce at Stadio Olimpico on May 25, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Fresh from providing an assist for Mattia Zaccagni to decide the Coppa Italia tie against AC Milan, Tavares played a dismal first half for Bologna yesterday before being taken off at half-time.
Bologna’s equalizer, with a goal from Nadir Zortea, was a bit embarrassing, but Tavares had already impressed before with misplaced passes, a useless yellow card to Riccardo Orsolini and several distractions.
ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 7: SS Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on December 7, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
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If we remember the serious mistake made in the derby that allowed Roma to break through, the inevitable conclusion is that Tavares cannot be Lazio’s first-choice left back at this time.
Now the club has to carefully evaluate during the next transfer window what to do about it, having previously rejected some big offers last summer.