After a dramatic win over Genoa, Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri downplays the market and offers a blunt update on Alessio Romagnoli’s uncertain future.
Maurizio Sarri is keeping his distance from the transfer market — and from the growing tension surrounding Alessio Romagnoli. Speaking after Lazio’s dramatic 3–2 victory over Genoa at the Stadio Olimpico, the Biancocelesti coach made it clear that his focus remains firmly on the pitch, not on negotiations or rumors.
Lazio claimed all three points thanks to a last-gasp penalty converted by Danilo Cataldi, in a match played behind closed doors and loaded with tension until the final whistle. Afterwards, Sarri praised his team’s response during a difficult period.
“These have been tough weeks for many reasons,” Sarri said. “I’m happy with the reaction from the team, especially in a strange and complicated night where we played without our fans.”
Sarri also addressed the integration of recent signings, highlighting the contrasting situations of Daniel Maldini and Ratkov. Maldini, he explained, already understands the rhythms and demands of Serie A, while Ratkov is still adapting after arriving from abroad and facing both language and tactical barriers.
The spotlight, however, inevitably shifted to Romagnoli — at the center of an ongoing transfer saga that could soon see him leave Lazio for Qatar. Asked directly about the defender’s situation, Sarri distanced himself from the decision-making process.
“The market doesn’t interest me,” Sarri said bluntly. “Romagnoli? I don’t know. His situation is handled by the club. I spoke with the player, and even he told me he doesn’t know what to say.”
Sarri clarified that his previous public stance on Romagnoli — whom he had described as technically important — was purely football-related, not a veto on a potential transfer. “That was a technical assessment,” he explained. “I’ve made similar evaluations in the past, including with Guendouzi.”
The implication is clear: the final call rests with the club hierarchy, not the coach. With Romagnoli’s future seemingly heading toward an exit, Lazio appear determined to manage the situation internally while Sarri maintains a pragmatic, almost detached posture.
For now, the message from Formello is one of separation of roles. Sarri coaches, the club negotiates — and whatever happens in the market will have to wait until the football takes care of itself.
