The Biancoceleste president speaks out during the anniversary celebrations: “We lost 8–9 real points. The system is no longer credible”
On the day of Lazio’s 126th anniversary, celebrated between Parco dei Daini and the traditional gathering of supporters in Piazza della Libertà, Claudio Lotito did not hold back. From refereeing controversies to the Flaminio stadium project, and even a sharp comment on Giacomo Raspadori, the Biancoceleste president touched on every major topic surrounding the club.
The Flaminio dream: “We’re at the final steps”
Speaking during the official celebrations, Lotito confirmed significant progress on Lazio’s long-standing stadium ambition:
“We are working on the Flaminio. We hope to make this dream come true. We are at the final stages of presenting the documentation,” he said.
“I feel the responsibility of more than a century of history. I am the longest-serving president in Lazio’s history and I hope to follow in the footsteps of some great predecessors.”
The project received cautious optimism from Rome’s mayor Roberto Gualtieri, who confirmed that the city is awaiting the formal submission of documents before evaluating the plan in detail.
“This refereeing system is no longer credible”
Lotito’s strongest words were reserved for Italian refereeing, following a series of controversial decisions involving Lazio:
“I record the damage we have suffered. Not just Lazio – although we are probably the most penalised – but the system as it stands no longer works. It is based on credibility, and that credibility is gone.”
According to Lotito, Lazio have already lost “at least 8 or 9 real points” this season.
“My battle is not just for Lazio, but for the system. I want transparency, fairness and equal treatment for everyone.”
He also revealed having written formally to the League, calling for structural changes to avoid what he described as inconsistent evaluations and internal conflicts within the refereeing system.
Raspadori to Roma? “He’s not Maradona”
Lotito also commented on the likely move of Giacomo Raspadori to Roma, taking a dismissive tone:
“We made him an offer and he didn’t accept it. He chose Roma? Fine. But he’s not Maradona.”
A clear message that Lazio, in Lotito’s view, have not missed out on an irreplaceable star:
“We’ll see if he’s better than the players I signed.”
Lazio as identity and institution
Beyond football matters, Lotito framed Lazio as something deeper than results or finances:
“Football is not just about sporting or economic success. We want to be a reference point for the city, to educate young people in traditional values.
Ours is a unique history: Lazio is the only club recognised as a moral institution. We hope to leave an indelible mark.”
As supporters celebrated late into the night in Piazza della Libertà, the birthplace of the club founded on January 9, 1900, Lazio’s 126th birthday once again blended history, controversy, ambition and identity—perfectly reflecting the spirit of the Biancoceleste world.
