Lazio ‘to pass’ on Daniel Maldini unless obligation triggers | OneFootball

Il Corriere dello Sport reports that Lazio have decided against purchasing Daniel Maldini at the end of the season, preferring to reserve funds for a more prolific striker unless the obligation to buy is activated. That stance reflects struggles up front, with January arrival Petar Ratkov yet to feature regularly and Tijjani Noslin and Boulaye Dia short of goals.

Il Messaggero adds that his future hinges on the Coppa Italia final, since a win over Inter would secure European football, particularly the Europa League, and trigger the obligation to buy from Atalanta.

Maldini, 24, was one of five mid-season arrivals, joining on loan from Atalanta for €1m with an option set at €14m, which becomes obligatory only with European qualification.

Sporting director Angelo Fabiani identified him as Mattia Zaccagni’s understudy on the left, but Maurizio Sarri has largely used him as a centre-forward. The versatile attacker has scored two goals, including Monday’s last-gasp equaliser against Udinese.

Should Lazio fail to reach Europe, they are unlikely to take up the option and Maldini would return to Bergamo, where he is under contract until 2029.

Source: The Laziali