Gennaro Gattuso explains Lazio decision to pass on free agent Mauro Icardi | OneFootball

Gennaro Gattuso has set out why Lazio chose not to sign unattached striker Mauro Icardi, prioritising the forwards already in place. According to Goal.com, the club ended discussions despite the Argentine being available without a fee.

Icardi, 33, left Galatasaray after rejecting a contract extension in July 2026 and remains without a club. Talks took place over the summer, but Lazio decided he would not be heading to Rome.

Speaking before their next league match, Gattuso said the club had given its word to new arrivals Andrea Pinamonti and Albert Gudmundsson and would not row back. He added that the stance was agreed with the president and sporting director.

He also highlighted squad congestion, noting some players have already been forced to miss training because there are six full-backs. With Adam Marusic due back, two would be left out, a situation he said looked poor.

Icardi’s status contrasts with his achievements, including four Super Lig titles with Galatasaray and 121 Serie A goals. Even so, Gattuso indicated dressing-room balance outweighed the appeal of a high-profile addition.

Lazio have opened the season with three wins and a draw from four games. They travel to the Stadio Penzo to face struggling Venezia on Saturday, seeking to extend their unbeaten run near the top of Serie A.

Source: Goal.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”