Overview
Manuel Lazzari, born on November 29, 1993, in Valdagno, Italy, is a professional footballer recognized for his role as a right-sided midfielder or wing-back. Standing at 1.74 meters, Lazzari has built a career characterized by consistent performance and a high work rate, particularly on the right flank. His journey through Italian football has seen him develop into a key player, capable of influencing games through his offensive runs and defensive contributions. He is currently playing for S.S. Lazio in Serie A, where he has become an integral part of their tactical setup.
Position
Lazzari primarily operates as a right midfielder or a right wing-back. This dual functionality highlights his versatility and tactical intelligence. In systems employing a back three, he excels as a wing-back, providing both width in attack and defensive cover. When deployed in a more traditional four-man midfield, he functions as a right midfielder, tasked with supporting the right-back defensively and linking up with forwards offensively. His ability to cover the entire right wing makes him a valuable asset in modern football, where wide players are often required to contribute significantly in both phases of play.
Identity
Manuel Lazzari's playing identity is defined by his relentless energy, blistering pace, and adept crossing ability. He is often described as a 'modern wing-back' or a 'dynamic wide player' due to his capacity to run tirelessly up and down the flank for the full 90 minutes. His offensive forays are marked by intelligent overlapping runs and precise deliveries into the box, while his defensive commitment ensures he tracks back diligently. This combination of offensive threat and defensive responsibility makes him a complete package for teams looking to dominate the wide areas.
Career path
Manuel Lazzari's professional career began in the lower divisions of Italian football, a journey that honed his skills and resilience before his ascent to Serie A. His early years were spent with various amateur and semi-professional clubs before he made a significant step up.
Early Career & SPAL
Lazzari's senior career commenced with Montecchio Maggiore in the 2010-11 season, followed by spells at Delta Porto Tolle and Giacomense. It was at SPAL, however, that Lazzari truly began to make his mark. He joined SPAL in 2014 when the club was in Lega Pro, Italy's third tier. Over five seasons, Lazzari was instrumental in SPAL's remarkable rise through the Italian football pyramid. He helped the club secure back-to-back promotions, first to Serie B in 2016 and then to Serie A in 2017, ending a 49-year absence from the top flight for SPAL. His performances in Serie B, particularly during the 2016-17 promotion season, drew significant attention, establishing him as one of the league's most exciting wide players. He continued to impress in Serie A, demonstrating his ability to compete at the highest level and playing a crucial role in SPAL's survival in the top division for two consecutive seasons.
Lazio Move
Lazzari's consistent form and impactful performances for SPAL ultimately led to a high-profile transfer. In July 2019, he moved to S.S. Lazio for an undisclosed fee, reported by Transfermarkt to be around €10 million. This transfer marked a significant milestone in his career, allowing him to join a club regularly competing for European qualification. Since joining Lazio, Lazzari has cemented his place as a key component of their squad. He quickly adapted to the demands of a top-tier club, becoming a regular starter and contributing to Lazio's successes, including their Coppa Italia triumph shortly after his arrival, though he was cup-tied for the final. His tenure at Lazio has seen him feature prominently in Serie A, the UEFA Champions League, and the UEFA Europa League, further solidifying his reputation as a reliable and effective wide player in Italian football.
Playing style
Manuel Lazzari's playing style is fundamentally built around his exceptional physical attributes and tactical intelligence, making him a quintessential modern wide player. His primary strengths lie in his pace, stamina, and ability to cover the entire right flank, acting as both an offensive weapon and a defensive shield.
Pace and Dribbling
Lazzari possesses significant acceleration and top-end speed, which he frequently utilizes to beat defenders on the outside. This pace allows him to make incisive overlapping runs, getting behind opposition full-backs and creating crossing opportunities. While not a prolific dribbler in tight spaces, his ability to carry the ball at speed in transition is effective. According to data from FBref, Lazzari consistently ranks high among Serie A wide players for progressive carries and touches in the attacking third, demonstrating his commitment to advancing play.
Crossing and Attacking Contribution
One of Lazzari's most notable offensive attributes is his crossing ability. He delivers dangerous balls into the penalty area, often from deep or after reaching the byline. His crosses are typically low and driven, aimed at cutting back or finding teammates making runs into the box. He has a keen eye for picking out strikers, and his deliveries often lead to significant goal-scoring chances. His understanding with forwards, particularly during his time at Lazio, highlights his effectiveness in creating opportunities. His attacking output is not just limited to assists; his constant runs stretch defenses, creating space for central midfielders and forwards.
Work Rate and Defensive Contribution
Beyond his offensive prowess, Lazzari is renowned for his immense work rate and defensive commitment. He tracks back diligently, supporting his full-back and often making crucial interceptions and tackles. His stamina allows him to maintain this intensity throughout the match, making him a valuable asset in defensive transitions. He is adept at pressing opponents and contributes to winning the ball back high up the pitch, aligning with modern tactical demands for wide players to be involved in pressing schemes. His defensive statistics, including tackles and interceptions, as reported by platforms like Sofascore, consistently show his active participation in defensive duties.
Comparatively, Lazzari shares traits with other dynamic wing-backs like Achraf Hakimi or even a younger Dani Alves, particularly in their ability to impact both ends of the pitch with relentless running and offensive quality from a wide defensive position.
Achievements & honours
Manuel Lazzari's career has seen him contribute to significant team successes, particularly during his transformative spell at SPAL and his subsequent move to Lazio. While individual accolades have been less frequent, his role in club achievements underscores his value as a team player.
His most notable collective achievements include:
| Competition | Club | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Serie B | SPAL | 2016–17 |
| Supercoppa Italiana | S.S. Lazio | 2019 |
At SPAL, Lazzari was a central figure in the club's historic ascent, helping them win the Serie B title in the 2016–17 season. This triumph secured their promotion to Serie A, a significant achievement for a club that had been absent from the top flight for nearly half a century. His consistent performances during this period were crucial to SPAL's success and their ability to establish themselves in Serie A for two subsequent seasons.
Following his transfer to Lazio, Lazzari quickly added another trophy to his cabinet, the Supercoppa Italiana in 2019. Although he had only recently joined the club, his contributions to the squad undoubtedly played a part in their overall strength. This victory against Juventus showcased Lazio's capability to compete with the league's elite and marked a positive start to Lazzari's tenure in Rome. While he was cup-tied for Lazio's Coppa Italia triumph in 2019, his subsequent Supercoppa Italiana win provided an immediate taste of silverware at a major club.
International career
Manuel Lazzari's consistent performances in Serie A earned him recognition at the international level, leading to call-ups for the Italy national football team.
He made his senior international debut for Italy on September 10, 2018, in a UEFA Nations League match against Portugal, under then-manager Roberto Mancini. This debut was a testament to his impressive form with SPAL at the time, highlighting his rise from the lower divisions to representing his country on the senior stage. For the match, Lazzari was deployed as a right-back, showcasing his adaptability to different tactical roles within the national setup.
Since his debut, Lazzari has earned a total of 3 caps for the Azzurri. While he has not been a regular starter in a highly competitive squad, his call-ups have consistently reflected his standing as one of Italy's reliable wide players. He has primarily served as a valuable option for the right flank, providing depth and energy when required. His appearances have typically come in qualification matches or friendly fixtures, allowing him to gain further experience at the international level.
Despite not featuring in major tournaments like the UEFA European Championship or FIFA World Cup squads, Lazzari's presence in the national team setup underscores his consistent performance in Serie A. His ability to cover the right side of the pitch with defensive solidity and offensive drive makes him a useful asset for any national team coach looking for a versatile wide player. As of May 2026, he continues to be considered for selection, particularly in squads that emphasize wing-back play or require robust wide options.
What makes Manuel Lazzari stand out
Manuel Lazzari stands out primarily due to his exceptional blend of relentless physicality and tactical discipline on the right flank. His motor is arguably his most defining trait; he possesses an almost unparalleled ability to run the entire length of the pitch repeatedly for 90 minutes, making him a constant offensive outlet and a diligent defensive contributor. This stamina, combined with his high-speed overlapping runs, makes him a nightmare for opposition full-backs and a vital component in stretching defenses.
Another distinguishing feature is his crossing accuracy. While many wide players rely on volume, Lazzari consistently delivers dangerous balls into the box, often with precision and power, creating clear-cut chances for his teammates. He understands when to cross early, when to drive to the byline, and how to find the optimal trajectory for his strikers. This offensive threat, coupled with his strong defensive work rate—tracking back, making tackles, and contributing to pressing schemes—elevates him beyond a simple attacking full-back or winger.
"Lazzari brings an incredible engine and quality on the right side. He never stops running, and his crosses are always a threat."