Lazio captaincy decision sparks locker room unrest

Lazio’s decision to appoint Mattia Zaccagni as the new captain has caused significant unrest within the team’s locker room. The announcement, made by head coach Marco Baroni, has not been well-received by several key players, including Danilo Cataldi.

According to Il Messaggero (via TMW), Baroni’s decision appeared to follow directives from club president Claudio Lotito, who had already decided to hand the captain’s armband to Zaccagni in June, following his impressive performance for the national team. This move has reportedly caused dissatisfaction among some of the squad’s senior members.

Cataldi, in particular, is reportedly unhappy with the decision. The midfielder, along with other prominent players, did not show support for Zaccagni’s appointment on social media, a subtle yet telling sign of their discontent. The report suggests that these players would have preferred Zaccagni to decline the captaincy.

Adding to the tension, there have been rumors about potential departures from the club, further unsettling the squad. In response to the unrest, Lazio’s sporting director Angelo Fabiani is expected to speak with Cataldi to address his concerns. Goalkeeper Ivan Provedel has also sought assurances about his role in the team.