Lazio Promise Sarri to Keep Chelsea Target & ‘Unhappy’ Stalwart | OneFootball

Lazio have reportedly vowed to keep Alessio Romagnoli and Mario Gila in their attempts to convince Maurizio Sarri to return to the club.

The Background

The Biancocelesti are keen to reunite with the 66-year-old who has been on the shelf since resigning from the very same post in March 2024. He would return as a replacement for Marco Baroni, as the decision to part ways with the latter has already been taken, while the official confirmation is expected on Tuesday.

Lazio Close to Finding Agreement with Maurizio Sarri

Lazio President Claudio Lotito and Sporting Director Angelo Fabiani have been able to make significant progress on this front over the past few days, with Sarri reportedly giving the green light to finalize the accord. The hierarchy has seemingly convinced the former Chelsea and Juventus manager with the pay package, as well as the sporting project.

Sarri Keen to Keep Lazio Defensive Duo

According to Il Corriere dello Sport (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), the club officials promised Sarri to maintain the club’s best defenders, which was a key condition for the manager to accept the job. The Roman newspaper particularly mentions Alessio Romagnoli and Mario Gila, who cemented themselves as the first choices this season.

Mario Gila Must Stay

The 24-year-old Spaniard has been linked to a host of top clubs around Europe, with Chelsea being the latest. However, Lotito is determined to keep him, unless he receives an irresistible offer in the region of €50 million.

Reconciliation with Alessio Romagnoli?

As for Romagnoli, he has recently expressed his dissatisfaction with the management, as he’s still waiting for the pay rise he was promised a couple of years ago. Nevertheless, the return of Sarri could help mend the fences between the Italian defender and the club, as the 30-year-old remains a favourite for the experienced manager.

The Alternative Choices

The department also includes Samuel Gigot, Patric and the young Oliver Provstgaard, but Lazio are unlikely to keep five centre-backs in the absence of European football next season, so we can expect one of them to leave.