Gattuso Backs Lazio’s New Forwards as Icardi Move Is Rejected

Lazio have decided against signing Mauro Icardi despite renewed discussions over the free-agent forward, with Gennaro Gattuso backing the attacking players already recruited by the club.

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Contacts between Icardi’s representatives and Lazio took place during the summer and were reopened last week, but the Rome club have now ended any prospect of a deal. The decision was taken by Gattuso and the senior hierarchy, who do not want another centre-forward added to an already crowded group.

Speaking before Lazio’s next league match, Gattuso stressed that the club must honour the commitments made to Andrea Pinamonti and Albert Gudmundsson. He recognised Icardi’s standing, noting the Argentine has 250 career goals, but said Lazio had made their selections and should not reverse course after giving their word to incoming players.

The coach also pointed to wider squad-management issues. Lazio currently have six full-backs in training, and the return of Adam Marusic will mean two players in that position cannot be included. Gattuso believes introducing another prominent attacker would further complicate selection and dressing-room balance.

Icardi leaves Galatasaray without a club despite a notable spell in Turkey. He won four Super Lig titles and finished as the Istanbul side’s highest-scoring foreign player. His Serie A record of 121 goals, built largely during his time as Inter captain, was nevertheless not enough to alter Lazio’s plans.

Lazio will instead focus on maintaining their encouraging early domestic form when they visit Venezia on Saturday. A victory at the Stadio Penzo would extend their unbeaten opening to five matches and strengthen their position near the top of the Serie A table.