Lazio Rekindle Interest in Redundant Juventus Veteran After January Talks | OneFootball

Lazio have reportedly added Juventus defender Daniele Rugani to their shortlist once again, after pursuing him in the winter.

Lazio Searching for Another Defender

This summer, the Biancocelesti have signed Alfonso Pedraza and Danilho Doekhi on free transfers, and brought Daniele Frattesi from Inter Milan on loan with an option to buy. However, Gennaro Gattuso made it clear he still expects two newcomers before the end of the window: A striker and another centre-back.

After missing out on Sergi Dominguez and Noah Markmann, Lazio have turned to other targets. They are reportedly following Standard Liege’s Ibe Hautekiet, Slavia Prague’s Stepan Chaloupek and Ajax’s Josip Sutalo. However, Angelo Fabiani might eventually decide to snub these foreign options in favour of a true Serie A veteran.

Lazio Revive Interest in Daniele Rugani

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), the Biancocelesti are once again showing interest in Rugani. The 32-year-old has been on Juve’s books since 2013, but he’s considered surplus to requirements.

Rugani No Longer Needed at Juventus

The Bianconeri loaned the defender out to Fiorentina in January, but that move didn’t lead to a permanent departure. The Lucca native still has two years left on his contract, but the Turin-based giants will try to offload him once more, especially after signing Jhon Lucumi from Bologna over the weekend.

Rugani Almost Replaced Alessio Romagnoli at Lazio in January

Interestingly, Rugani was on the verge of signing for Lazio in January before winding up at Fiorentina. The two clubs had reached an agreement, but when Alessio Romagnoli’s transfer to Al-Sadd collapsed, the Juventus defender’s move to the Italian capital was called off as well. Ironically, Rugani’s arrival could once again hinge on Romagnoli’s fate.

Rugani’s Career Stats & Accolades

Rugani is a highly experienced Serie A defender with 183 Serie A appearances to his name. During his time at Juventus, he collected six Scudetto titles, four Coppa Italia trophies, and two Italian Super Cups. Still, he never managed to cement himself as a regular starter in Turin.