Speaking at the Serie A Festival in Parma, Lazio president Claudio Lotito shared his thoughts on the team, coach Maurizio Sarri, transfer market rumors, the Flaminio stadium, and the Italian national team`s recent performance.
On Lazio and Sarri
Lotito expressed strong agreement and mutual respect with coach Sarri. He stated, “With Sarri, there is great harmony and a relationship of mutual respect: he knows what we can do and what we must do. Together, we will find the conditions and the way to do it.” He emphasized that the focus is on building a functional team to achieve specific objectives, rather than just “collecting Panini stickers.” Lotito reflected on the past season, acknowledging that the team had opportunities but “unfortunately didn`t seize them in the second half.” He also accepted responsibility, stating, “When Lazio isn`t performing, the responsibility is also the President`s, right? And they certainly attribute it to me.”
On the Transfer Market
Addressing rumors linking midfielder Nicolò Rovella to Milan, Lotito was direct. He joked, “I like many players too,” before adding definitively, “Rovella is not on the market.”
On the Flaminio Stadium
Regarding the project for the Flaminio stadium, Lotito clarified that “there are no deadlines.” He explained that they are following “a bureaucratic process” and are working on presenting all the necessary documentation.
On the Italian National Team and Refereeing
Commenting on the Italian national team`s recent 3-0 defeat to Norway, Lotito admitted he isn`t privy to the internal dynamics of the federation but acknowledged that the result “certainly testifies to a team quality that does not correspond to the past.” He warned that missing the World Cup for the third consecutive time “would be bad for Italy,” as such defeats “undermine the credibility of the system and its quality.” He lamented the decline from a time when Italy was “admired by all nations” for its footballing level, noting that a failed project “creates damage to society.” Lotito questioned the “systematic repetition of certain results,” suggesting a solution based on “merit.” He argued that individuals in roles who fail to deliver results through merit should “take a clear stance” out of respect for the collective interest, unless their only concern is personal income and position. Finally, on referees, Lotito stated, “I trust the refereeing class in Italy.” He took credit for his role, alongside Tavecchio, in introducing technological aids like VAR, Goal Line Technology, and the vanishing spray, which he copied “from the Brazilians,” calling it “a brilliant thing” that proves “to solve problems, you just need a bit of inventiveness.”
