Returning manager Maurizio Sarri has not only had to deal with Lazio’s transfer embargo since joining in June, but Serie A news coming out of Italy this week has highlighted the fact the squad is still too bloated to meet requirements.
Serie A News Reveals Worrying Selection Headache For Maurizio Sarri
Maurizio Sarri’s return to Lazio has been far more complicated than simply re-assimilating after a 15-month sabbatical.
Despite rumors that Sarri may head for an immediate departure following the club’s transfer sanction, he has since rubbished those reports, and remains intent on cultivating a competitive squad.
Serie A news coming out of Italy this week has also revealed that despite nine players departing summer, Lazio still have too many outfield players to register for the domestic season.
Serie A put a limit of 17 outfield players on squads, and Lazio’s currently sits at 19.
⚽️ Sarri ball is back at Lazio 🦅💫
— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) August 4, 2025
Who Could Be Dropped From Lazio’s Squad?
This same exact selection headache also plagued former manager Marco Baroni, who initially excluded Elseid Hysaj for the first half of the campaign, before cutting Luca Pellegrini — whose deal became permanent this summer — in the latter half.
It is worth noting that Sarri can include as many of Lazio’s U21 players as he wishes, so budding young talents such as Reda Belhayane and Oliver Provstgaard will need not worry about being cut.
However, the aforementioned pair who were dropped last season could well be in the firing line again, while fellow full-back Manuel Lazzari could come under review, as Sarri has preferences elsewhere.
There will be no new arrivals this summer for Biancocelesti, who despite reaching the quarter-finals of the Europa League last season, will not be featuring on the continent in 2025-26.
That may well allow them to focus solely on bettering their seventh placed finish from last season, although offshore sportsbooks have them firmly in the same spot in their pre-season estimations.
Lazio transfer news remains active in terms outgoings, however, and one man in particular who is commanding attention is Matteo Cancellieri.
The 23-year-old spent last year on loan at Parma, although they decided to pass up on their option to buy. He has so far impressed throughout pre-season, but Lazio are prepared to sell Cancellieri, should an important bid arrive.
It is also worth noting that Sarri may opt to cut Patric for the first half of the season at least. The Spaniard made just 10 appearances last season as he battled a persistent ankle problem, that later required surgery.
