Napoli forced to sell to buy this winter as Lazio restriction lifted | OneFootball

Reigning champions Napoli will have to sell to buy in the winter window after an independent commission barred the club from making paid signings. Lazio have had their restriction lifted for January.

According to L'Équipe, the decision was taken on Tuesday by the body overseeing Serie A clubs’ finances. Napoli can only bring players in if each purchase is balanced by a sale of similar value.

One key financial indicator was not met, prompting a partial market block. The commission was lenient as Napoli are not repeat offenders, but a recurrence next summer could lead to a full ban.

Napoli are one of two Serie A clubs sanctioned, alongside Pisa, whose window will be restricted for the same reasons.

Lazio were barred from recruiting in the summer due to financial issues, but have now satisfied the commission and can operate freely this winter. The Biancocelesti may strengthen if they wish, and they sit eighth in Serie A after 16 matches.

Source: L'Équipe