Ex-Lazio Man Guides Argentina to World Cup Glory

Former Lazio full back Lionel Scaloni guided Argentina to their first World Cup victory in over three decades.

The 44-year-old Argentinian coach, who has been in the role since August 2018, initially found success in the Copa America last year and repeated his work at the World Cup in Qatar, doing enough to help the Albiceleste win the tournament for the first time since 1986 and the days of Diego Maradona.

Lazio defender Lionel Scaloni celebrates after a Serie A match between AS Roma v Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on March 4, 2012. Lazio won the Derby della Capitale 2-1. (AFP PHOTO / GABRIEL BOUYS via Getty Images)

Scaloni previously spent six years of his career attached to Lazio from 2007 to 2013, making 67 appearances across all competitions for the club. During that time, he scored one goal and provided four assists, struggling for consistent minutes.

Whilst his time in the Italian capital wasn’t majorly successful, Scaloni was a well-liked professional at Lazio and many in the Biancocelesti environment will be overjoyed to see their former player make history with Argentina at the World Cup.

A video taken by Argentinian broadcaster TyC Sports during the penalty shoot-out against France showed Scaloni’s raw emotions following their victorious kick, creating a touching scene on the sidelines of the Lusail Stadium.

Tags 2022 World Cup Argentina Biancocelesti Italy Lazio Lionel Scaloni Rome Scaloni Serie A World Cup