Lotito Explains Romagnoli Turnaround, Confirms Two New Lazio Signings

Lazio president Claudio Lotito claimed he decided to pull the trigger on the transfer of Alessio Romagnoli to Al-Sadd to preserve the quality of the squad.

The controversial patron has been the target of ever-growing chastising from the club’s supporters, who have been left disgruntled by the club’s January operations. The Biancocelesti have already sold Matteo Guendouzi and Taty Castellanos, and replaced them with cheaper alternatives in Petar Ratkov and Kenneth Taylor. Therefore, the management has been accused of downsizing the team.

Last week, the irritated Romagnoli requested his departure after receiving an offer from Roberto Mancini’s Al-Sadd. The defender has long been frustrated by Lotito’s unfulfilled promises. The 31-year-old was seemingly on his way to Qatar and had already bid the travelling supporters farewell at the Via del Mare on Saturday.

However, the saga witnessed an unsuspected twist on Sunday, with Lazio releasing an official note stating that Romagnoli is not for sale. In a phone call with RomaToday (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Lotito insisted the decision was made in the best interest of the club, as the hierarchy is keen to maintain a competitive squad.

It was a carefully weighed decision. Lazio assessed all the economic, technical and environmental factors and chose not to weaken the squad. In today’s football that is far from a given, and we believe it is a responsible choice.

Alessio is a professional under contract and a reference point for this team. The club felt that, at this moment, his staying was fundamental for the group. Personal dynamics are handled internally, with mutual respect and respect for roles.

Why give up on an operation that would have helped the balance sheet? Because protecting the balance sheet isn’t done only by selling. Sometimes it’s done by preserving sporting competitiveness. Lazio does not make short-term decisions that risk compromising the season.

The Lazio owner was also asked about his back-and-forth altercation with Sarri in the media, but he insisted that the two men maintain an open dialogue, claiming that the Romagnoli turnaround was also done on the coach’s advice.

A clash? No. There is a dialogue, which is something different. Lazio listens to the coach and then decides, taking responsibility for our choices. Keeping Romagnoli is a clear signal of attention to the technical project, not the opposite.

The coach’s statements, however, sound like those of a somewhat dissatisfied coach… I repeat: there is no clash. There is dialogue, which is normal and healthy. Once the market distraction is over, I’m sure there will be a different serenity and, as I’ve said before, the pitch will return to centre stage.

Finally, Lotito also confirmed the signings of Atalanta attacker Daniel Maldini and young Reggiana goalkeeper Edoardo Motta. Both players will be officially announced in the coming hours.

In moments of emotional difficulty it’s normal for tensions to surface. The club is there, even when it doesn’t make proclamations. The strongest responses come through decisions, not words. I

n less than thirty days we are dealing with a transfer window we should have done in the summer: Motta and Maldini have arrived, and the market will close on 2 February.