Sarri ‘made contact’ with Lazio stalwart Romagnoli over Atalanta move | OneFootball

Atalanta manager Maurizio Sarri has approached Alessio Romagnoli about a move, offering a way out of his Lazio stand-off. According to The Laziali, the coach has contacted his former defender to explore a reunion.

Sarri returned to Lazio last summer for a second spell, but injuries, a transfer ban and mid-season sales soured relations with president Claudio Lotito. After months of public barbs, his departure at season’s end became inevitable.

Romagnoli also clashes with Lotito, centred on unfulfilled pay-rise promises dating back to 2023. He twice farewelled supporters this year, most recently on 4 July via a video during a major anti-Lotito march in Rome.

A switch to long-term suitors Al-Sadd was expected, yet financial restrictions imposed by the Qatari state amid Middle East unrest have stalled a deal. Reinstated to the squad, the 32-year-old now finds himself in limbo.

Sarri valued Romagnoli as the linchpin of his Lazio back line and wants him again at Atalanta. The former AC Milan captain is hesitant, preferring to end his Italian chapter with the Aquile before moving abroad.

An answer is expected in the coming days as La Dea keep pushing. Lazio had agreed a 3 million sale to Al-Sadd due to his expiring contract, and it remains unclear whether the asking price will change for a Serie A rival.

Source: The Laziali

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