Romagnoli Doubtful for Juventus Clash as Lazio Director Plays Peacemaker With Lotito

Lazio defender Alessio Romagnoli is only training partially ahead of Sunday’s big Serie A showdown against Juventus.

The Background

The Italian centre-back is set for an awkward return to the pitch, having already saluted the travelling supporters in Lecce in what was supposed to be last match for the club before moving to Al-Sadd. However, Lazio took him off the market the following morning, spiralling a hectic week that culminated with last-ditch negotiations between the parties.

Alessio Romagnoli Was Hoping to Join Al-Sadd in January

In the end, Romagnoli refused to accept Lotito’s request to waive his salary for the last three months, which proved to be the final nail in the coffin of his winter transfer. While the Qatari giants have reportedly promised the 31-year-old that they’ll come back for him in the summer, the defender and Lazio must coexist until the end of the season.

Romagnoli Still Training Separately Ahead of Juventus Showdown

Romagnoli returned to Formello on Monday, but as Il Corriere dello Sport reveals, he has only been training separately due to a physical issue. The Roman newspaper recalls that there were already some concerns over a muscle strain he picked up during the defeat to Como, but he was keen to make himself available for the away fixture against Lecce, which was supposed to be his farewell match.

While it remains to be seen if Romagnoli will overcome this issue and rejoin Mario Gila at the back, Oliver Provstgaard remains on alert. The young Dane already filled in for the wantaway veteran against Genoa last Friday, and he might get the nod once more at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday.

Romagnoli’s Broken Rapport with Claudio Lotito

At this stage, Romagnoli’s physical condition might be the least of his concerns. The former AC Milan captain will regain his fitness in the coming days. However, his relationship with Claudio Lotito is beyond repair, especially following the unfiltered comments made by his agent, Enzo Raiola, in the aftermath of the botched transfer to Al-Sadd.

Angelo Fabiani Mending the Fences

Therefore, the source reveals that Lazio sporting director Angelo Fabiani is trying to play the role of mediator between the unhappy player and the club patron. That being said, a temporary truce is the best he could hope for considering the circumstances, as a summer divorce remains virtually inescapable.