Lazio are set to part ways with manager Marco Baroni following a disappointing end to the 2024-25 season that saw the club finish seventh in Serie A and miss out on all European competitions.
A decision on Baroni’s future is expected within days, with club president Claudio Lotito and sporting director Angelo Fabiani preparing for a new managerial era.
Lazio to Sack Marco Baroni
Baroni arrived last summer after a stint at Hellas Verona and got off to a bright start — guiding Lazio to top spot in their Europa League group and keeping them in the top six for much of the campaign.
However, a disastrous final stretch, culminating in a 1-0 defeat to 10-man Lecce at home, proved the final straw.
“I am mortified,” Baroni admitted post-match. “Some players were already thinking about vacation. I warned them this final image would stick.”
Lazio haven’t won at home since early February.
Who Will Be the Next Lazio Manager?
With Baroni’s exit imminent, Lazio have already begun sounding out replacements. The shortlist includes a mix of high-profile names, former club legends, and highly rated up-and-coming coaches.
According to the best Serie A betting sites, former Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri is the frontrunner to return. The 66-year-old previously coached the Biancocelesti from 2021 to March 2024 before resigning due to internal conflict with senior players.
However, with many of those “rebellious senators” (including Luis Alberto and Felipe Anderson) now gone or expected to leave, Sarri may see a clearer path to success in a potential second spell.
Sporting director Fabiani has reportedly held three meetings with Sarri in recent months, suggesting the groundwork for a reunion is already in place.
The potential return of Sarri could also help retain players like Matteo Guendouzi and Alessio Romagnoli, who flourished under his system.
Who Could Replace Baroni?
While Sarri remains the leading candidate, Lazio are also considering several alternatives.
One name being linked by Italian sources is Patrick Vieira. The former Crystal Palace and Nice boss has Serie A experience as a player with Inter and could bring fresh ideas to the capital.
Lazio legend and World Cup winner Miroslav Klose has expressed interest in a return and could be an inspired choice to galvanize the fanbase.
Alternatively, Sergio Conceicao — another ex-Lazio player — is set to leave AC Milan this summer, and although he couldn’t replicate his success at Porto, he could be a safe get.
Other names being thrown into the mix include Alberto Gilardinho, Francesco Farioli, and Gennaro Gattuso. Each would bring a different style, of course, with Farioli particularly being of intrigue for his progressive football philosophy.
Of course, Lazio isn’t the only club in Serie A on the hunt for a new manager. Milan and Roma are targeting Bologna head coach Vincenzo Italiano, who has just delivered a historic Coppa Italia title.
Whether he stays at Dall’Ara or makes a summer switch could influence the wider domino effect among Serie A benches.
