Lazio ‘to rekindle’ interest in Brighton defender Diego Coppola | OneFootball

Lazio are considering a move for Brighton centre-back Diego Coppola, a profile admired by incoming coach Gennaro Gattuso. The club are assessing defensive options this summer.

They need at least one new centre-back, with Alessio Romagnoli awaiting a fresh proposal from Al-Sadd after January interest. Mario Gila could be sold if a lucrative offer arrives, his deal runs to June 2027, and Samuel Gigot and Patric are on short-term terms. Gazzetta dello Sport claims Lazio have already secured Dinamo Zagreb’s Sergi Dominguez, not yet corroborated elsewhere, while La Repubblica expects a renewed push for Coppola.

Coppola, 22, came through Hellas Verona, entering the first team in 2022 and establishing himself. Lazio tracked the Bussolengo-born defender last summer but were blocked by a transfer ban.

He joined Brighton in a deal worth €11 million but struggled for minutes. He recorded five Premier League outings, plus one in the FA Cup and three in the Carabao Cup.

In January the Seagulls loaned him to Paris FC, where he featured alongside compatriot and Lazio legend Ciro Immobile. He made 13 Ligue 1 appearances and supplied two assists.

Coppola is due to return to Brighton, with a contract running until 2030. Lazio could still try to take him back to Serie A with Gattuso’s approval, and although he never played him, Gattuso used to call him up while leading Italy.

Source: The Laziali