After seven seasons with AC Milan, Alessio Romagnoli decided to part ways with the club. After a successful career with the Rossoneri, the Italian defender became a free agent as of July 1, 2022, and opted to not resign.
Romagnoli left Milan for a new adventure. Growing up a Lazio fan, he hoped to one day play for his childhood club. After weeks of lengthy discussions and negotiations between Lazio and Alessio Romagnoli’s camp, his dream became a reality.
In recent times, Romagnoli agreed to a five-year contract with Lazio worth around €3 million net per season plus add-ons. The defender could make up to €3.4 million per campaign.
It has been a busy mercato for Lazio, yet this signing has topped off their transfer market, being their biggest signing yet.
So why does signing Romagnoli make sense for both sides?
Romagnoli Wanted to Play At Lazio
Romagnoli will finally have the opportunity to play for the club that he followed as a child. His love for the club is so strong that he declined English Premier League side, Fulham, who offered higher wages to sign him.
In addition, players who want to be at the club is always encouraging and could go a long way to creating a positive environment. The club needs players who are fully committed and devoted to helping the team win.
The Former Milan Captain Will Be a Leader in Rome
During the 2018/19 season, Romagnoli was appointed club captain and carved himself as a great leader with Milan. He’s developed a strong mindset and a positive demeanour to overcome difficult situations and provides morale around his teammates.
Throughout Romagnoli’s time with Milan, he battled and overcame plenty of adversity. The defender had multiple significant injuries, yet when he returned, he continues to be able to play at the highest of levels.
During the 2020/21 Serie A campaign, his sixth season with Milan, Romagnoli dealt with minor injuries once again and had several poor performances. As a result, he lost his starting position to centre-back, Fikayo Tomori. However, Romagnoli never made a fuss and accepted his new role under manager, Stefano Pioli.
Romagnoli Provides Experience & Quality to the Backend
The backend has been a concern for Lazio in recent seasons as they have done a poor job improving it. However, during this current transfer market that has not been the case. They signed Verona centre-back, Nicolo Casale, Real Madrid centre-back, Mario Gila and recently, Romagnoli.
Romagnoli is the most significant signing this summer as he provides experience and depth to Lazio’s defense. He is a versatile player who is composed, has good technique, and has the ability to play out from the backend. The latter will be an area that will prove to be vital under Lazio manager, Maurizio Sarri.
He is a strong physical player who can win aerial duels at both ends of the pitch, which was a concern at times last season for Lazio’s defense. In addition, he has played in the Champions League, Europa League, Serie A and Coppa Italia, which will be beneficial.
Lastly, he will be good a mentor and safeguard for the younger players on the backline who have minimal experience in Serie A.
