Petkovic praises Zarate

Lazio coach Vladimir Petkovic has hinted Mauro Zarate will be a key man for the Rome outfit next season.

The Argentine striker is back in the Italian capital this summer after an unsuccessful loan spell with Inter Milan, where he played under three different managers as the club stumbled to sixth spot in Serie A. The 25-year-old was expected to make a permanent switch away from Lazio this summer, but Petkovic has been impressed by his work ethic and is thought to be considering offering him a new deal. "He's part of the group of 24-25 players who have been called up to pre-season. He's a player with great quality and we need him," Petkovic told Sky Sport Italia. "He is training well and we hope to continue along this path."