Maurizio Sarri Set to Return as Lazio Manager on Two-Year Deal

Maurizio Sarri is nearly ready to make a shocking return as the head coach of Lazio. The experienced Italian manager is close to signing a two-year contract with an option for another year if the club gets into the Champions League during his time.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Lazio is wrapping up talks with Sarri, who first led the club from 2021 to March 2024. This comes after Marco Baroni left following Lazio’s disappointing seventh-place finish in Serie A, which meant they missed out on European competition. The contract should include a net salary of €2.8 million a year, with another year added if Lazio makes the Champions League in the next two seasons. Sarri’s comeback comes at a time of changes, with key players like Ciro Immobile, Luis Alberto, and Felipe Anderson all gone, closing a chapter of leadership in the team.

WHY IT MATTERS

In Sarri’s last time in charge, Lazio had a great second-place finish in the 2022/23 season before their performance dropped the following year. His return shows the club wants to rebuild after missing out on international football. Lazio ended the 2024/25 Serie A season tied on points with Fiorentina in sixth but didn’t qualify for Europe because of goal difference. Fans have mixed feelings, with some hoping for a return to past successes and others worried about Sarri’s sudden exit before.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Lazio’s priority will be finishing Sarri’s signing and figuring out his coaching team. The Biancocelesti want to regroup this summer and gear up for a new season with Sarri in charge, aiming to get back to Europe. As the Serie A season is set to restart in late August, Lazio wants to close the small gap to make it to Europe, climbing from seventh and competing with Fiorentina, Roma, and Juventus, who were just above them last season. The team’s first games and Sarri’s actions in the transfer market will be closely watched as Lazio turns a new page.