Arsenal’s decision to sell Nuno Tavares to Lazio for just €4m has been questioned since the transfer went through, but after Sunday’s Rome derby, Italian pundit Paolo Di Canio argued the low fee reflected the Portuguese full-back’s limitations.
Tavares was directly at fault for Lorenzo Pellegrini’s first-half winner in Lazio’s 1-0 loss to AS Roma, a result that has piled early-season pressure on Maurizio Sarri’s side. The 25-year-old misjudged his positioning and failed to clear under pressure, allowing Roma to capitalise.
While Lazio had fought hard to keep the game level, one lapse in concentration was all it took to undo their efforts. Speaking on Sky Italia, Di Canio was scathing in his assessment of Tavares’ football IQ.
Di Canio: Arsenal knew his flaws
Di Canio did not mince his words when asked about the left-back’s display.
“Without Tavares’ mistake, the derby would have ended in a draw. It’s well known that Tavares doesn’t have a particularly keen footballing mind, even though he might be able to stride in the open field.” — Paolo Di Canio, Sky Italia
The former striker went further, questioning Sarri’s reliance on the player. “If Roma press you and Tavares is having a hard time trying to find a preventative diagonal, he’ll end up causing damage in defence like today. He should have moved the ball and kicked it up, while Sarri should know he doesn’t have that kind of intelligence. Otherwise, would Arsenal have given him to you for €4m?”
Arsenal’s cut-price exit explained
Arsenal fans will remember Tavares as a full-back with explosive energy but frequent defensive lapses. After loans to Marseille and Nottingham Forest, Mikel Arteta made little attempt to keep him, accepting Lazio’s option-to-buy clause following last season’s spell in Serie A.
The Gunners had paid around £8m for him in 2021, meaning they ultimately sold at a loss. Yet, Di Canio suggests the discount was a reflection of the club’s doubts about his defensive ceiling.
Tavares’ strengths and weaknesses
Though his mistake cost Lazio dearly against Roma, Tavares’ attacking output remains his strongest trait. His dribbling, pace, and ability to progress the ball in transition can stretch opponents, but those strengths come with positional and decision-making risks.
Last season, he chipped in with goals and assists that justified his place in Sarri’s side, but early form in 2025/26 has been inconsistent, with injury problems also disrupting his rhythm.
Stats snapshot: Nuno Tavares (2024/25 Lazio)
| Stat | Tavares |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 34 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Errors leading to goals | 2 |
source: Serie A stats – 2024/25
These figures underline Tavares’ duality: productive going forward but prone to lapses at the back.
Analyst verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William believes Di Canio’s criticism is harsh but not without merit. “Tavares has clear athletic gifts, but defensive discipline and decision-making have always been issues. Lazio must work to harness his forward runs while protecting his weaknesses. At €4m, the transfer was a gamble that could still pay off if Sarri finds the right balance.”
Key insights
- Paolo Di Canio called Tavares “not intelligent enough” after Lazio’s derby loss.
- The ex-Arsenal man was at fault for Pellegrini’s decisive goal.
- Arsenal sold him to Lazio for just €4m after loans in France and England.
- Tavares’ strengths lie in carrying the ball forward, but defensive flaws persist.
- Sarri must find a system to maximise his pace without exposing his back line.
What’s next for Tavares and Lazio?
Lazio now turn their attention to a midweek Serie A clash with [Torino], where Sarri will have to decide whether to stick with Tavares or rotate. The scrutiny on the Portuguese defender will be intense, particularly after such high-profile criticism.
For Arsenal, the transfer has already faded into the background, but for Lazio, making Tavares a success remains a priority. His ability to bounce back from this setback could define whether he is remembered as a bargain or a liability in Rome.
👉 Do you think Arsenal were right to let Nuno Tavares leave so cheaply, or can he still prove his worth at Lazio?
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