Vincenzo Grifo is a name that many Lazio fans will be familiar with. Despite never playing for the Biancocelesti, Grifo’s name is one that seems to pop up every summer as a potential target for the club. The 27-year-old German-born winger currently plays for Bundesliga outfit SC Freiburg, whom he signed for last summer after a successful loan spell with the Baden-Wurttemberg based club from fellow Bundesliga side Hoffenheim. Speaking to Radio Incontro Olympia, Grifo commented on Lazio’s interest:
“The number 10 shirt with the Italy national team? When I was called up, it was free, Bonucci asked me which number I wanted and I proposed. I thank him for allowing me to put it on. I love the national team shirt, beyond the number. But certainly, the number ten is another matter entirely.”
“In Germany, we have been training for three or four weeks. We are in small groups plus the goalkeeper, the ball is not missing in our sessions.”
“Playing in a different league? The world is small and you never know, I’m fine in Freiburg but football is like that. If they call me to Italy I will evaluate the offer carefully. [Igli] Tare has my number; he also played in Germany at Kaiserslautern. Italy is beautiful.”
Therefore, whilst not ruling out a move to Italy and not denying a potential move to Lazio specifically, Grifo appears to be happy in Germany. It is unlikely that the winger would fit into Simone Inzaghi’s current tactical system, as he is more suited to playing on the wing and lacks the defensive capabilities to fill in at wing-back. So whilst a move is not entirely off the cards, there is little reason for Igli Tare and Claudio Lotito to try and bring the forward to Rome.
