Arsenal loanee Nuno Tavares is grabbing headlines in Italy, with Corriere dello Sport praising the Portuguese full-back’s competitive debut for Lazio which saw him grab two assists.

The Italian newspaper described Tavares as “Fast and Furious,” highlighting his rapid pace.

Tavares the roar of Lazio Slow start conditioned by an injury and by that character that often held him back After the intervention of the coach, there is an explosive left-hander The sprints and assists of the Portuguese new double weapon for Baroni Against Milan he placed a shot d Corriere dello Sport2 Sep 2024 GETTY Right Nuno Tavares, 24, in action against Samuel Chuk Milan The Portuguese full-back of Lazio arrived from Arsenal on loan with an obligation to buy 4.5 million Tavares is Fast and Furious, fast and furious. He did not immediately understand the way to take, Baroni's spurs and the two initial exclusions were used to make him understand what it was. Slow start, hasty restart. Physical reasons and certain indecipherable moons were holding back his purchase, time and the right signals thrown at him in training served to shake him. Record reaction time, monstrous the impregnability of Saturday, Milan was crossed by its extensions. Spinning at a speed of 35.3 kilometers per hour the Portuguese was among the kings of the sprint. Only Theo Hernandez did better by a breath of wind (35,35). THE EXPLOSION. Running has always been his strength, since sprinting in Benfica. At Lazio he arrived three years late, he had 21, the e di Sarri had just arrived, he needed a fullback, Tavares was at stake. Rejected and rebuffed, one of those did not cost so much also because then came ha Tavares then ended up at the Gunners. He was not a starter in Benfica, but he was blossoming, he was already running very fast. The problem has always been one: he does not always have the same ride, sometimes brakes or changes direction. It happened at Arsenal, where it was wanted by Arteta. One goal at Manchester United in 22 appearances (13 as a starter), too many wrong disengagement. The adventure lasted a year. Tudor thought about it to relaunch him in Marseille as a full-back in 3-4-21: 6 goals in 31 appearances. Not everything went smoothly, in the highlight, in May, he put it out with Pa Pa Tudor of Tavares he was crazy: "Explosiveness out of the ordinary. He could play in Real Madrid, Barcelona or Manchester City It is obvious to think that he suggested it before the farewell. CROSS AND ASSIST. Baroni saw a windfall rain on his head. On the left, the band shattered for years, finally there is a left-handed fullback who crosses, who serves gold balls, an Fans excited by his racing Now must ensure continuity Zaccagni: "Nuno makes us score goals In today's football decisive tears" who defends. Before crumbling Milan own Tavares had saved on Okafor in front of Provedel. "With him I can rest even in the attack phase. Nuno is a great player, these tears in today's football are decisive", the blessing of Zaccagni. Tavares figurine became a santino in fan memes. The company “dai e vai” formed by Nuno and Zaccagni works. The first goal at Milan was born from a swerve of the captain, set back to centroto campo, opened for Dia who launched Tavares in the area, cross to kiss for Tat. The second: Tavares, from the midfield, for Zaccagni, lunge and long ball for the Portuguese launched in the meantime to rocket, it really seemed a missile. Another kiss assist for Dia. The long stride, the progressions, especially those cut crosses that are bread for the teeth of the center-forwards. Cross that Baroni counts every game, that wants to multiply and that Lazio have not seen for years. Nuno loosens and hurries, only at 15 he decided to play football, he was more attracted to music, he is a cellist. Baroni has his own string quartet: Tavares, Zaccagni,Dia and Tat Tat The sonata is in” gol " major.
Corriere dello Sport – “Tavares the roar of Lazio” 2nd September, 2024

Nuno Tavares, who joined Lazio on loan from Arsenal with an obligation to buy for €4.5 million, showed the explosive potential that initially caught Arsenal’s eye when they signed him from Benfica.

Tavares’ start at Lazio has been far from smooth. His integration into the team was hindered by a minor injury and what Corriere dello Sport referred to as “certain indecipherable moons,” a figurative expression used in the original Italian text to describe something elusive or hard to understand.

In Lazio’s recent clash with AC Milan, Tavares was a standout performer.

The 24-year-old clocked a top speed of 35.3 kilometres per hour, one of the fastest recorded in the match, narrowly behind Milan’s Theo Hernandez.

His speed and aggression on the left flank were instrumental in Lazio’s attacks, with Tavares delivering key crosses and making vital defensive contributions.

ROME, ITALY - AUGUST 31: Nuno Tavares (R) of SS Lazio in action during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on August 31, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi - SS Lazio/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY – AUGUST 31: Nuno Tavares (R) of SS Lazio in action during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on August 31, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Corriere dello Sport highlighted his “record reaction time” and “monstrous impregnability,” underlining his impact on both ends of the pitch.

Initially signed by Arsenal in 2021, the full-back was seen as a promising talent, but his time in North London was inconsistent. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, including a memorable goal against Manchester United, Tavares often struggled with his decision-making and defensive positioning.

His tenure at Arsenal ended after just one season, with the club deciding to loan him out to Olympique Marseille.

At Marseille, Tavares showed improvement, scoring six goals in 31 appearances as a wing-back under coach Igor Tudor. However, his time in France was also marred by moments of indiscipline and inconsistency, culminating in a fallout with Tudor towards the end of the season.

Despite this, Tudor praised Tavares’ “explosiveness out of the ordinary” and suggested that he had the talent to play for top clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, or Manchester City.

Now at Lazio, Tavares can hopefully find his feet. Lazio fans have been quick to embrace him, with social media memes celebrating his partnership with fellow Lazio player Mattia Zaccagni.

This partnership was on full display against Milan, where Tavares provided two assists as they drew 2-2 against AC Milan, endearing him to the Lazio faithful.