It’s no secret that Nuno Tavares does his best when attacking, but if he doesn’t perform at least 15-20% defensively, it’s going to be a serious problem for Lazio.
The former Arsenal man was notorious for his weaknesses before arriving at the Stadio Olimpico, and those issues were greatly alleviated in Maurizio Sarri’s 4-3-3 formation.
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Tavares has no idea how to defend
ROME, ITALY – MAY 25: Lecce USA’s Santiago Pierotti challenges Lazio’s Nuno Tavares during the Serie A match between Lazio and Lecce at the Stadio Olimpico on May 25, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paul Bruno/Getty Images)
Tavares, who had just provided an assist for Mattia Zaccani in the Coppa Italia against AC Milan, struggled in the first half against Bologna before being substituted at half-time.
Nadir Zolteja’s nutmeg goal gave Bologna a slightly embarrassing equalizer, but not before Tavares had impressed with a misplaced pass, a yellow card on Riccardo Orsolini and various distractions.
ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 7: SS Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Bologna FC 1909 at the Stadio Olimpico on December 7, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
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If we think back to the serious mistakes that allowed Roma to break through in the derby, the inevitable conclusion is that Tavares cannot become Lazio’s first-choice left-back at this time.
The club will now have to carefully assess how to deal with this in the next transfer window, after turning down a number of big offers last summer.