Maurizio Sarri Snubs Two Italian Strikers Who Were Offered to Lazio | OneFootball

Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri reportedly decided to pass on the opportunity to add either Lorenzo Lucca or Roberto Piccoli to his squad.

The Background

After lifting the transfer ban, the Biancocelesti are expected to be very active in the market this winter. However, the club directors must remain very careful with the finances to avoid another ban, and the only way to maintain an acceptable balance sheet is by selling players and registering capital gains.

Taty Castellanos Has Suitors in Europe & Beyond

With the likes of West Ham United, Leeds United and Flamengo all reportedly interested in his services, Taty Castellanos is one player Lazio are seriously considering sacrificing in January, especially following some underwhelming displays in recent weeks. Sarri even admitted that the Argentine might be struggling to operate in his system.

Castellanos Holds the Key for Lazio’s Transfer Plans

According to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedullà, Lazio’s attacking plans hinge on Castellanos’ fate. The Italian capital side is willing to negotiate a sale, but they’re seeking at least €30 million. While Flamengo emerged as the striker’s most keen admirers, the 27-year-old has no desire to leave Europe at this relatively early stage in his career.

Why Lazio Won’t Sign Lorenzo Lucca or Roberto Piccoli

If the Aquile end up finding a suitable buyer for the former Girona man, they will look to replace him with another attacker. However, Pedullà insists that it wouldn’t be Lucca, who has been offered to Lazio, but is considered inapt to Sarri’s tactical system.

The 24-year-old cemented himself as one of the deadliest strikers in Serie A during his time at Udinese, which earned him a €35 million transfer to Napoli. However, he now finds himself a third choice behind the in-form Rasmus Hojlund and the returning Romelu Lukaku.

Roberto Piccoli (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

The same applies to Piccoli, who made the move from Cagliari to Fiorentina last summer. The Tuscans shockingly find themselves at the very bottom of the Serie A table, while the 24-year-old Bergamo native is considered a backup for Moise Kean.

Who Would Sarri Want to Sign for the No.9 Role?

While Lucca and Piccoli are two classic centre-forwards blessed with big frames, it appears that Sarri is seeking a more dynamic profile upfront. Atletico Madrid’s Giacomo Raspadori would be the dream signing for the manager, while Real Sociedad stalwart Mikel Oyarzabal has been on his shortlist since the summer.