SS Lazio are reportedly on the verge of appointing Gennaro Gattuso as their new head coach following the expected departure of Maurizio Sarri.
According to reports emerging from Italy, Lazio president Claudio Lotito has already reached an agreement in principle with the former Italy national team coach, with only the final details of a proposed two-year contract still needing to be completed.
Sarri’s departure now appears increasingly inevitable despite Lazio ending the season with a 2-1 victory over Pisa at the Olimpico. Speaking after the match, the experienced Italian tactician admitted his frustration regarding the direction of the club.
“ I was not listened to,” Sarri stated, in comments that strongly hinted at a breakdown in relations with the club hierarchy.
The former Napoli, Chelsea and Juventus manager is now expected to meet Lotito in the coming days to formally conclude his exit from the club, reportedly two years before the expiry of his contract.
Italian media reports also suggest that Sarri could now emerge as a serious candidate for the vacant managerial position at Atalanta BC.
Meanwhile, Lazio appear determined to move quickly in securing Gattuso as his replacement. The 48-year-old is understood to be eager to return to club football after his difficult spell in charge of the Italian national team ended in disappointment.
Gattuso previously coached both AC Milan and SSC Napoli in Serie A and is viewed by Lazio as a strong personality capable of rebuilding competitiveness within the squad.
Interestingly, this is not the first time Gattuso has come close to taking charge of Lazio. Italian reports claim Lotito had already attempted to appoint him back in 2019 during a dramatic Lazio comeback victory against Atalanta, although the move ultimately collapsed after Simone Inzaghi’s side recovered from 3-0 down to win the match.
Gattuso had also recently been approached by Torino FC regarding their managerial vacancy but reportedly rejected the proposal.
Should the agreement be finalised, Lazio would hand Gattuso one of the most high-pressure jobs in Italian football as the club attempts to bounce back from a turbulent and disappointing campaign.
