Lazio Defender Refuses to Train After Major Fallout

Originally posted on The Laziali | By Michel Sakr | Last updated Jan 29, 2026 5:40 AM ET

Lazio centre-back Alessio Romagnoli remains hellbent on leaving the club and joining Al-Sadd, so he decided not to show up for training.

The 31-year-old received a lucrative offer from the Qatari giants, coached by Roberto Mancini, and decided to accept it, as he had grown frustrated with Claudio Lotito’s broken promises regarding a pay raise over the past three years.

The former AC Milan captain was seemingly on his way to the Middle East, and even bid the travelling Lazio supporters farewell at the Via del Mare on Saturday. However, the Biancocelesti’s management took everyone by surprise with an official note on Sunday, stating that the player is not for sale.

According to Il Corriere dello Sport (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Romagnoli has decided not to attend the club’s training sessions, as he tries to force the club’s hand. As the Roman newspaper explains, the player could try to avoid any legal repercussions for his rebellious act by presenting a medical certificate citing psychological distress, which has become a common practice among footballers.

The source adds that the player has made up his mind following three meetings with his head coach, Maurizio Sarri, who has been dragged into this unpleasant situation. The 67-year-old failed to talk the player out of the move.

On the other hand, Lazio president Claudio Lotito is insisting that the defender will only be sold if Sarri gives the green light. However, the Tuscan manager isn’t willing to take this responsibility, leaving the matter to be decided by the hierarchy and the player.

This article first appeared on The Laziali and was syndicated with permission.

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