Lazio have been in talks with Atalanta to sign Marco Carnesecchi, but the goalkeeper got significantly hurt while practicing with Italy U-21. The youngster suffered a shoulder injury and is undergoing thorough evaluations. If he needed surgery, he would be on the mend for two-to-three months, Il Messaggero informs.
The 21-year-old spent the last 18 months on loan to Cremonese, providing impeccable performances. The Biancocelesti and Atalanta were about €5M apart on his evaluation before the problem arose. President Claudio Lotito will ask for a discount, but the situation is fluid now.
Pundit and former Lazio shot-stopper Luca Marchegiani backed them to sign Carnesecchi anyway in his remarks to Sky.
“It is a delicate area, but he is young and I see no reason why he would not be able to make a full recovery, hopefully in a short amount of time. I like him a lot and I would go after him if I were in the Biancocelesti’s shoes and if was indeed available. I do not know how willing Atalanta are to sell, though. He is a home-grown player and he has developed nicely, taking progressive steps forward and gaining experience.”
According to Alfredo Pedullà, Guglielmo Vicario would be the top alternative if Lazio halted pursuing Carnesecchi. Maurizio Sarri holds Kepa Arrizabalaga in high regard, but he is very expensive.
Our Take on Lazio Targeting Carnesecchi
The 21-year-old is on track to potentially be the next big thing in terms of Italian goalies, and this is just a minor setback. Lazio have a reliable backup in Pepe Reina, who could easily hold down the fort while Carnesecchi recovers. Instead, it could be a case of serendipity for Atalanta. They could keep him while he completes the rehab and have more time to fully evaluate the up-and-down Juan Musso.