Goal Lazio: Primavera Spotlight - A Look At Lazio's Youth Team Stars

After securing just four points from the last six rounds of the Serie A championship, things certainly haven’t been going to plan for the Biancocelesti. Following a superb opening month in which Lazio lifted the Supercoppa Italiana and secured their entry into the Europa League, the consequences of an unsatisfactory summer transfer campaign are starting to rear their ugly heads.

With a number of potential signings being linked with a January move to Formello, we take a closer look at some of the younger talent already at base, who could soon be lending a hand to the senior squad.

Alessio Luciani (Defender)   

The 19 year old stopper made his debut with the senior squad earlier this month in the goalless draw with Fiorentina. After being handed the captain’s armband following the loan departure of Alessandro Tuia, the Rieti born youngster clearly has the personality to break into Ballardini’s squad. Given Lazio’s lack of depth in defence, he must be ready to take his chance should the Aquile suffer another injury crisis further down the line.

Riccardo Perpetuini (Midfielder)

Despite a number of offers from Italy’s second tier over the summer, the Latina born youngster opted to stay and fight for a place in the senior squad as he put pen to paper on his first professional contract with the Biancocelesti.

After making a brief cameo last season in the 2-0 defeat to Palermo, it seems the 19 year old has already convinced coach Ballardini who has kept him in the senior squad since the start of the season.

“The lad has great personality,” declared the coach to Lazialita.it following his debut in the Europa League in the 4-0 destruction of Levski Sofia. “He played out of position with great care and attention and that wasn’t easy for someone with such little experience.”

With the faith of the coach, it seems the holding midfielder could well become a valuable understudy to Cristian Brocchi and Ousmane Dabo who have both had their fair share of injury problems in recent months.


Lorenzo Cinque (Forward)

After making a name for himself with 30 goals in his first season with Lazio’s Allievi, the Roman born youngster turned down offers from Barcelona and Chelsea at the age of 16. Following his decision to swear loyalty to the Biancocelesti, he has been often been compared to Manchester United starlet Federico Macheda, who chose to take the route abroad.

Despite his potential, the 18 year old has only been playing regular football since the age of 14. Beforehand he had enjoyed success at swimming on a national scale and was scouted by a local side whilst playing football in his spare time.

With a strong physical presence and a good eye for goal, Cinque could well break into the senior squad given the lack of out-and-out attacking options currently available to Ballardini.

Jacopo Sciamanna (Forward)

After filling the void left by the departed Libor Kozak and Ettore Mendicino, the Viterbo born youngster is desperate to make the jump to the senior squad as he takes centre stage for Sesena’s Primavera.

“This year is a very important one for me,” declared the 19-year-old striker in a recent interview with Lazialita. “I am now at an age where I need to step up either here at Lazio or if necessary elsewhere. Overall this season is the moment of truth for the rest of my career.”

A classic centre-forward, the 19 year old can also play as a support striker in a similar role to Goran Pandev. After scoring 54 times in all competitions at the age of 16, the young Aquilotto caught the attentions of Arsenal and Liverpool, but remained at base where he is desperate to take his chance.

“I took all the offers into consideration, but the club demonstrated a strong desire to keep me at the base camp. This gave me an even greater desire to stay and prove my worth, and now I hope to take my opportunities and break into the senior squad.”

Stefano Federici, Goal.com