Lazio brace for governance shake-up after European exclusion

Lazio face a significant restructuring of its football operations following their elimination in the Coppa Italia final against Inter Milan. The defeat concludes the season without European football for the first time in president Claudio Lotito’s two-decade tenure, prompting intense scrutiny of the club’s leadership structure.

Head coach Maurizio Sarri and sporting director Angelo Fabiani are expected to discuss their futures with Lotito immediately after the Derby della Capitale on Sunday. Italian media reports suggest the two executives may depart together, although Sarri is reportedly unlikely to resign unless he secures a confirmed agreement with another club.

The head coach has emerged as a primary target for Napoli, who have identified him as the preferred candidate to replace Antonio Conte should the current manager leave. Sarri has also been linked with positions at Atalanta, Fiorentina, and AC Milan, indicating that his immediate future remains contingent on external opportunities rather than an internal resignation.

In the event of Sarri’s departure, a diverse pool of candidates has been identified. Il Messaggero and La Gazzetta dello Sport have highlighted Raffaele Palladino, Gennaro Gattuso, and Kosta Runjaic as key prospects. Palladino’s potential move is further complicated by incoming Atalanta sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli, who is reportedly keen on the manager to start with a clean slate, while Gattuso is admired by Lotito for his perceived fighting spirit.

Parallel to the coaching search, Fabiani’s position is under review despite having one year remaining on his contract. The club is reportedly seeking a sporting director capable of executing a new direction focused on acquiring young talent. Hellas Verona’s Sean Sogliano is considered the leading candidate for the role, aligning with a strategic shift away from the previous recruitment model.