Football: Guendouzi summoned by Tudor for the second leg of the Italian Cup semi-final

French international Matteo Guendouzi is back in the squad called up by Igor Tudor for the semi-final second leg of the Italian Cup against Juventus on Tuesday, the Lazio coach announced on Monday.

“He had two good training sessions, he is one of those called up,” said Tudor, whose team lost 2-0 in the first leg at Juventus Stadium, at a press conference. Tudor did not specify whether he would start the 25-year-old, who was essential when Lazio was coached by Maurizio Sarri.

On the other hand, he did not fail to underline the important role of the Japanese Daichi Kamada whom he fielded in place of Guendouzi during the last two championship matches. “He is a complete boy who has all the required qualities,” insisted the Croatian technician.

Guendouzi was not called up for these last two matches, because he was officially injured in his calf. But according to the Italian press, the midfielder had an altercation with Tudor, whom he already worked with in 2022-23 at OM and with whom relations had been stormy after being relegated to the bench.

Lazio sporting director Angelo Fabiani admitted that there were “disagreements between the two men which were being resolved”, while Tudor assured that “(his) relations with Guendouzi were good”. Arriving last summer at Rome on a loan including a purchase option which has since been activated, Guendouzi played 28 league matches and scored two goals.