Lazio

Lazio president Claudio Lotito has said there have been no approaches made for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic this summer and that the player is worth in excess of €110 million (£98.8 million).

The Serb is rumoured to be wanted by Manchester United and AC Milan, but Lotito told Corriere della Sera (h/t Calciomercato):

"Sergej is the best young midfielder in the world, and he has a great margin for improvement. However, so far, no one have come forward; I haven't received any offers from Milan or Juventus, let alone from Real Madrid and Manchester United. 

"I certainly won't push to sell him, but if you ask me how much he is worth, then I need to remind you that last year I turned down €110 million. How much was Pogba sold for to Man United? €110 million? Then Milinkovic is worth even more, because he's much better. Now rest assured, I'm not interested in loan formulas or technical counterparts."

The 23-year-old went from an exciting prospect to a bona fide star for Lazio last season as he cemented his place as perhaps their most important player, which is saying something when you look at Ciro Immobile's record of 41 goals in all competitions.

WhoScored.com shared the numbers behind his excellent campaign ahead of his appearance at the FIFA World Cup with Serbia:

The key head-to-head when #SRB take on #SUI will be between creative pair Sergej Milinkovic Savic and Xherdan Shaqiri, writes @BenMcAleer1 -- https://t.co/D2PGjUZF8F pic.twitter.com/w8IlG8nzSa

— WhoScored (@WhoScored) June 22, 2018

He was unable to help his side escape their group, but in Serbia's 1-0 win over Costa Rica, he showcased his wide variety of talents, per Squawka Football:

Sergej Milinković-Savić vs. #CRC:

• Most chances created (3)
• Joint-most aerial duels won (4)
• 2nd-most take-ons completed (4)
• 4th-most clearances (4)

Does a bit of everything. pic.twitter.com/w1jg2NfurR

— Squawka (@Squawka) June 17, 2018

Milinkovic-Savic is a force to be reckoned with in the air and uses his strength and defensive work rate to win plenty of tackles on the ground, but it's his blend of physicality and technical ability that makes him so special.

After regaining possession for his side, the midfielder looks to drive play forward, either by carrying the ball at his feet past opponents or carving open a back line with a defence-splitting pass.

He'll often look to finish moves off, too, and his shooting from distance is a weapon he frequently makes use of.

Milinkovic-Savic can be guilty of giving the ball away, though:

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic: Was dispossessed more times (84) than any other player in Serie A last season

For more player stats -- https://t.co/n0ZDG5t7XT pic.twitter.com/wRNkSaiRay

— WhoScored (@WhoScored) July 28, 2018

While that could suggest he has room to improve in terms of picking his moments—whether it be taking someone on or going for a through ball—it's also indicative of a player trying to make things happen.

The midfielder is already well on his way to becoming a top talent in European football, and without the UEFA Champions League at Lazio, he could be open to leaving if a more illustrious club were to come in for him. 

It seems they are yet to do so, though, likely because of the enormous sum it will take to prise him away from the Eagles.

  

Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic reportedly told supporters he is "definitely" staying at the club this summer amid continued speculation surrounding his future. 

The Serbia international returned to training with the club on Tuesday and was greeted by fans. According to TMW Web (h/t Football Italia), in an exchange with one supporter the player made it clear he wouldn't be going anywhere when asked if he was leaving.

"Definitely," Milinkovic-Savic responded. "You can see that I am here." Lazio posted footage of the player back at training on Tuesday morning:

🙌 Anche Sergej #Milinkovic è arrivato in @ClinicaPaideia pic.twitter.com/9iPxfBrOTZ

— S.S.Lazio (@OfficialSSLazio) July 31, 2018

According to Football Italia, Chelsea are the latest team to show interest in the Lazio star, while Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Manchester United have also been linked.

It's reported that Chelsea would only be willing to pay around €90 million (£80 million) to get Milinkovic-Savic to Stamford Bridge, but the Lazio president Claudio Lotito will not consider moving the player on for less than €120 million (£107 million).

As noted by Tom Coast of Sport Witness, there have been some fresh reports from Italy about interest in Milinkovic-Savic from United too:

The local Rome papers are trying to poke Milinkovic-Savic to #MUFC back to life, but they’re doing so by stating it’ll only happen if Pogba is sold. Since that seems unlikely…

— Thomas Coast (@thcoast) July 31, 2018

The list of clubs said to be interested in the player is illustrious, and it's not a shock after an incredible 2017-18 that there are teams of such pedigree having a look at the midfielder.

Milinkovic-Savic was the key man in a Lazio team that finished the campaign as the top goalscorers in Serie A. The midfielder showed he can be effective when given license to burst forward and influence attacks.

When he picks up possession in midfield with space to stride into he can be devastating. Milinkovic-Savic has a change of pace, excellent close control and is physical enough to hold off challenges from opponents; last season his end product improved too, netting 12 times and setting up three goals in Serie A.

Often the goals scored by the Lazio star were impressive strikes as well:

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic: Only Paulo Dybala (7) scored more goals from outside of the box than Milinkovic-Savic (5) in Serie A last season

For more player stats -- https://t.co/n0ZDG5t7XT pic.twitter.com/zm4yMNbLWr

— WhoScored (@WhoScored) July 25, 2018

Given all the attributes he possesses, Lazio will feel well within their rights to command a massive fee for the 23-year-old, as there is still room for him to improve.

If the money was right Lazio would surely cash in, and the player would most likely consider the move, especially to one of the teams noted. The capital club failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League in 2018-19, so Milinkovic-Savic may feel as though he should be playing in the world's biggest club competition.

For now it appears as though he will be sticking around at the Stadio Olimpico for a while yet.

Lazio sensation Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is set to remain with the club despite interest from Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus, according to Eagles manager Simone Inzaghi.

The Italian claimed the midfielder will feature for his team during the next campaign despite the Serbian being coveted by a number of a world-class clubs.

Per Jamie Smith of Goal, Inzaghi told reporters the burgeoning superstar is ready to return to the club for pre-season:

"There are many voices around Milinkovic-Savic, he can change the games alone. I spoke with Sergej, he wanted to arrive two days earlier in Auronzo, but I gave him two more days of holiday. I feel calm.

"Anything could happen. Our desire is to do well as in the last years, we will fight with everyone."

The 23-year-old has been consistently linked with a move away from Rome, and he is developing into the complete central midfielder who offers a goal threat.

Milinkovic-Savic scored 14 goals and provided six assists in 43 matches in Serie A and Europe last term, and his stock has exploded after consistently impressing.

Miguel Delaney of The Independent recently reported the player could be ready for a switch to Chelsea, and the Serbian might "favour" a move to Stamford Bridge.

Milinkovic-Savic has plenty of growing to do in his career, and Lazio remains a good club for him to continue his development over the next year.

However, it will not be long until a tempting offer is made for the midfielder, and if he has another strong campaign, the likes of Madrid and United will do their best to offer him a path to the top tier of club football.

Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has said he will take some time to consider his options before making a decision over his future.

Milinkovic-Savic's Serbia side were knocked out of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia on Wednesday, as a 2-0 defeat to Brazil condemned them to third place in Group E.

After the match, with rumours rife over a potential move in the summer transfer window, Milinkovic-Savic was quizzed about whether he'd be leaving the Stadio Olimpico in the coming weeks, per Mediaset (h/t Stephen Creek of Goal).

"I'll return to Rome and I would be happy if I stay at Lazio, as I'm content there and I have a contract," he said. "I read something different in the papers every day, but I haven't thought about it yet. First, I'll rest for a bit, then we'll see."

Calciomercato provided further comments in which Milinkovic-Savic hinted he could be tempted away from Lazio this summer:

"Now I'm going back home, to Lazio, where I have a contract, then we'll see if I stay or leave. It depends on president [Claudio] Lotito and sporting director [Igli] Tare. I'll talk to them, the €150 million price tag is not a burden, but a motivation to do better.

"Every day I see a different team interested, it's a stimulus. Juventus is a great team, at the top in Italy. My brother also lives in Turin, the family is important to me. To the Lazio fans I would like to say that I've had three wonderful years, in any case, they will remain in my heart. Now I will head back to see if I will stay or leave.  Italy or abroad? I'll think about it in a few days."

As noted by Creek, a number of European football's biggest clubs have been linked with a move for the 23-year-old, including Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus. It's added that Milinkovic-Savic has been valued in the region of €100 million (£88 million).

Unfortunately for Serbia, the midfielder wasn't at his best for much of this World Cup. Milinkovic-Savic impressed in an opening win against Costa Rica, although in subsequent matches against Switzerland and Brazil, he struggled to make a mark.

The Scouted Football Twitter account outlined some of the issues he had and some of the weaknesses in his game:

We much preferred Milinković-Savić in the role he played against Costa Rica in matchday one.

His physicality was disruptive in the final third. He varied his movements too - dropping to receive between lines; stretching behind - which tested defenders. Far more dangerous. pic.twitter.com/7zITH5JAxo

— SCOUTED (@scoutedftbl) June 27, 2018

Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC suggested the midfielder did his chances of making a big move some harm with his displays:

Those Milinkovic Savic maybe joining Madrid for €150m stories unlikely to come back I’d say

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) June 27, 2018

To judge the player on the back of two underwhelming performances would be harsh, though. It would also be ignoring just how good the Lazio man has been for the Serie A side.

He was one of the standout players in the Italian top flight last season, providing the driving force behind Serie A's most potent attacking outfit. His ability to carry the ball, knit play together and provide a physical presence made him a threat for Lazio.

Also, Milinkovic-Savic added productivity to his game in the 2017-18 campaign, netting 12 times from his midfield berth and laying on three assists for team-mates. 

They were often spectacular strikes:

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic: Has scored more goals from outside of the box (5) than any other player aged 23 and under in Europe's top 5 leagues this season

For more player stats -- https://t.co/n0ZDG5KIPr pic.twitter.com/xVAMT5GRE3

— WhoScored (@WhoScored) April 17, 2018

Speculation about the Lazio man appears set to run and run throughout the summer, although Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News suggested the Red Devils are wary of the valuation:

#mufc are very stand-offish re. Milinkovic-Savic because there's a lot of noise being generated by Lazio and his agent. Asking price for someone who's not played Champions League football off-putting, too.

— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) June 23, 2018

Should Milinkovic-Savic move on, his next club will be getting someone with remarkable physical and technical attributes. Given his age, there's still room for potential growth and longevity in midfield.

Lazio would be delighted if they could keep him around, as the team came agonisingly close to securing UEFA Champions League football last season. If Milinkovic-Savic was to move on, the capital club would have a huge hole to fill in midfield.  

Lazio sporting director Igli Tare has said it will take "much more" than €90 million (£79 million) to prise Sergej Milinkovic-Savic away from the club this summer.

The midfielder has enjoyed an extraordinary campaign and has been linked with some of European football's biggest sides as a result. However, when asked about the Serbia international by Sportitalia (h/t Ben Gladwell of ESPN FC), Tare said any club keen to sign him would have to spend big.

"Yes—even much more," he replied when asked if Milinkovic-Savic was worth the sum mentioned. "There have already been offers in this region last summer and we didn't consider them. There are major European clubs interested in Milinkovic-Savic, but we don't have anything definite on the table."

As noted by Gladwell, the likes of Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid have all been cited as possible suitors for the 23-year-old star.

Lazio would be well within their rights to dig their heels in in the face of any offer below their valuation, as Milinkovic-Savic is developing into one of the best midfielders in world football.

David Amoyal was full of praise for the player:

Very proud of my comparison for Milinkovic Savic- a cross between vintage Pogba and Diego Simeone (as a player) MSM can do it all https://t.co/YU0Hbqw3i3

— David Amoyal (@DavidAmoyal) March 11, 2018

Milinkovic-Savic is certainly a man for all seasons, and under Simone Inzaghi at Lazio, he has shown he can fulfil a number of different roles in the side.

Still, he's at his best when off the leash and allowed to be a box-to-box force. Milinkovic-Savic can win the ball back in midfield, drive forward with power and rifle a shot from distance into the top corner. It makes him a major game-changer at the highest level.

While United have Paul Pogba, who shares some stylistic similarities to the Lazio man, neither Real Madrid nor PSG possess a player adept at providing such thrust from the hub of the team.

As these figures from OptaPaolo illustrate, Milinkovic-Savic is already making his mark on matches in Serie A:

9 - Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is the youngest midfielder to have scored at least nine goals in Top-5 european leagues 2017/18. Youth. #SassuoloLazio

— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) February 25, 2018

Lazio have enjoyed an excellent season and are on course to secure a UEFA Champions League spot for next year. However, with rumours linking Milinkovic-Savic with a move away and Stefan De Vrij expected to join Inter Milan, per Tare, there's a danger this fine team will be picked apart.

It will be tough for the club to resist potential nine-figure offers for the midfielder, though, and the man himself would surely be tempted by the trio of clubs said to be interested. Milinkovic-Savic has given the impression he is ready to make the next step in what should be a tremendous career.  

Lazio director Igli Tare has said Stefan de Vrij will leave the club next summer, as Manchester United and Liverpool reportedly continue to monitor the defender. 

According to Mediaset Premium (h/t Football Italia), Tare said the Rome club had withdrawn the opportunity for the player to renew his deal, and he will depart at the end of the campaign.

The Netherlands international will be a free agent in six months, and Lazio were motivated to turn down offers for his services last summer.

Speaking to Mediaset Premium, Tare explained the situation:

"Lazio have withdrawn the proposal we made for a new contract to De Vrij."

"We are withdrawing for reasons that we will explain later on. It was a choice made after many months of negotiations, but there is also a limit to how things went.

"He has been an exemplary professional and we thank him for that as well as what he’ll do until the end of the season. He gave a lot to the club, just as we gave a great deal to him, but our paths will divide in June.

"It’s a matter of fairness. This is not the opportune time to give the reasons for this decision, but we had to give a response and we gave it this evening.

"It is better to look forward, as Lazio are a side who have grown in recent years and will continue to grow, because we certainly do not lack players."

Per Football Italia, the Eagles refused to entertain deals for the centre-back during the past two transfer windows and dug their heels in despite the interest of a number of major clubs. United and Liverpool have considered the player, with Manchester City, Juventus and Inter Milan all coveting his talents.

The 26-year-old could be viewed as a potential solution to United's inconsistencies in defence, with the futures of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones as starters in question.

With no transfer fee involved, De Vrij might cause a major stir as he leaves Lazio, and he could become the hottest free agent in Italy before the 2018 FIFA World Cup kicks off in Russia.

Lazio confirmed they have signed Nani on loan from Valencia on Thursday.

The Italian outfit announced his arrival via their official Twitter account (h/t BBC Sport).

Nani has joined the club on a one-year loan after departing the La Liga club.

The former Manchester United, Sporting CP and Fenerbahce winger spent just one season at Valencia, where he had a strong campaign despite the club finishing a disappointing 12th place.

According to Squawka, he scored five goals and assisted seven in 25 La Liga appearances, as well as creating 38 chances.

Nani will look to replace Keita Balde Diao following his departure for Monaco.

Per Squawka, Balde provided 43 opportunities for his team-mates last year having played six more matches than Nani, though he also scored 16 goals—a feat the Portugal star may struggle to emulate.

He may not be capable of replacing Keita's strike rate, but he's on a similar level in terms of creativity and could prove a useful capture.

The 30-year-old still has time for another two or three good seasons before he enters the twilight of his career.

Helping Lazio improve on their fifth-placed finish from last year won't be easy, with AC Milan and Inter Milan looking to rejoin Juventus, AS Roma and Napoli at the top of the table, but if he can produce his best form, a strong campaign from Nani will go a long way.

Lazio and Juventus served up a spectacular curtain-raiser to the Italian domestic season with the former beating the Serie A champions 3-2 in the 2017 Super Cup.

Ciro Immobile opened the scoring from the penalty spot as Lazio overcame a rocky start to take the upper hand before half-time. He doubled the lead after the break with a smart header, but Paulo Dybala pulled a goal back with a fantastic free-kick.

A late penalty saw the Argentinian tie things up, but Alessandro Murgia found a winner deep in injury time to claim a deserved win for Lazio.

Here's a look at the two teams that started the Super Cup:

Juventus XI: Buffon; Barzagli, Benatia, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Khedira, Pjanic; Cuadrado, Dybala, Mandzukic; Higuain #SuperCoppaTIM

— JuventusFC (@juventusfc) August 13, 2017

#StartingXI Strakosha; Wallace, de Vrij, Radu; Basta, Parolo, Leiva, Luis Alberto, Lulic; Milinkovic, Immobile#SupercoppaTIM #JuveLazio pic.twitter.com/SzR21kRHNU

— S.S.Lazio (@OfficialSSLazio) August 13, 2017

The Italian champions nearly took the lead minutes into the contest as Alex Sandro teed up Juan Cuadrado with a great cross and goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha somehow made a spectacular save with his legs.

Less than two minutes later, the Albania international again had to be at his best, this time to deny Gonzalo Higuain. Sports writer Richard Hall was impressed after the 22-year-old made yet another stop:

Strakosha showing exactly why his reputation continues to increase. Already on hand three times & as a result has allowed Lazio to settle

— Richard Hall (@RichHall80) August 13, 2017

Lazio survived the fast start and settled down, but they didn't come close to threatening Gianluigi Buffon early, with Sergej Milinkovic-Savic sending an overhead kick into the face of Medhi Benatia.

The Rome side were the better team for the bulk of the first half, however, and earned a penalty after Cuadrado clumsily lost the ball and Buffon was forced to bring down Immobile. The striker converted the spot-kick himself.

Vince Van Genechten of Het Nieuwsblad blamed the goal on Cuadrado:

https://twitter.com/VVGenechten/status/896813369298219008

Buffon had to intervene immediately after to deny Lazio a second goal, with Lucas Leiva and Dusan Basta both going close.

Leiva was lucky he only got a yellow card for a nasty tackle on Cuadrado shortly before half-time, but Lazio held on to their deserved lead.

Bleacher Report's Adam Digby noted the Juventus team reminded him of the one he saw in the disappointing UEFA Champions League final against Real Madrid:

HT 0-1. Terrible thus far from Juve who have, thanks to Khedira/Cuadrado, been completely overrun in midfield. Just like Cardiff. #JuveLazio

— Adam Digby (@Adz77) August 13, 2017

The Bianconeri started the half on the front foot, but chances were scarce, with Cuadrado having a shot blocked and Dybala nearly reaching a smart pass from Higuain. 

Out of nowhere, Immobile powered home a header over Buffon to double the advantage in the 54th minute, to the delight of sports writer David Amoyal, who noted the perfect assist from rising star Milinkovic-Savic:

It's Milinkovic Savic's world and we just happen to live in it- madonna che giocatore

— David Amoyal (@DavidAmoyal) August 13, 2017

Only a miraculous save from Buffon denied Immobile his hat-trick, as Lazio embarrassed the Juventus defence, while at the other end of the pitch, Miralem Pjanic's free-kick flew over the bar.

Substitute Douglas Costa fired a shot right at Strakosha, and Higuain almost turned his cross home minutes later. Pjanic was lucky not to get sent off after a foolish trip on Immobile, but the official opted for a yellow card.

Buffon kept his team in the match with a good save from Luis Alberto, and Dybala gave the Bianconeri some hope with a stunning free-kick with five minutes left to play.

In the 91st minute, Adam Marusic brought down Sandro in the box, and the official awarded a penalty. Dybala converted, and per Squawka News, the new No. 10 was doing the shirt proud:

Juventus draw level against Lazio in the 90th minute.

85': Paulo Dybala. ⚽️
90': Paulo Dybala. ⚽️

The shirt fits. 🔟 pic.twitter.com/RwbANU8U7w

— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) August 13, 2017

But there was more drama still to come. While Juventus seemed the more likely team to find a winner, Jordan Lukaku found some space three minutes into injury time and delivered a perfect assist to Murgia, and the Rome native didn't miss to deliver his boyhood club the win.

Almost a century after the trophy was awarded, Lazio could be handed a share of the 1914-15 Italian league title following a fan petition to investigate that year's title. 

The Eagles were scheduled to meet Genoa in that season's finale before Italy entered World War One, and the crown was eventually awarded to Genoa in 1919. However, BBC Sport reported more than 30,000 signed a petition to re-examine that season, and a decision will be cast by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on August 4.

Lazio president Claudio Lotito is among those who has stood up for his club's apparent grievance with the 1915 title, per BBC Sport: "It is a legitimate Scudetto. It was taken away from us by the war."

What's more, Italian journalist Tancredi Palmeri has reported there's reason for Lazio fans to feel upbeat regarding their appeal, with the chances of now being cast as "co-champions" seemingly positive:

(4) On August 4, Italian FA commission will decide whether to assign 1915 title ALSO to Lazio. But there are good vibrations for laziali

— Tancredi Palmeri (@tancredipalmeri) July 20, 2016

Lazio have officially won just two titles in their 116-year history, having ascended to the top of the Italian league in 1974 and 2000, while Genoa boast a far more impressive nine crowns.

A share of the 1915 award may not bring the Rome outfit close to par with their old rivals, but it would bring them level with fierce rivals Roma in championships won, a just cause in itself.

Marcelo Bielsa resigned as Lazio manager on Friday just two days after being appointed as the Serie A side's new coach.

In an official statement (via Football Italia), Lazio expressed "astonishment" at the 60-year-old Argentinian's decision to go back on his commitment to the club and revealed that Simone Inzaghi will act as his replacement:

We acknowledge with astonishment the resignation of Marcelo Bielsa, inclusive of his collaborators, in blatant violation of the deal agreed via the contracts signed last week and lawfully deposited with the Lega and the FIGC, according to all the related procedures.

The club reserves the right to take all actions that will protect its rights, and hands the leadership of the team during the preparatory training to Simone Inzaghi.

Per Football Italia's report, Lazio "can now be expected to take legal action against Bielsa," who also resigned abruptly as Olympique de Marseille manager following an opening-day Ligue 1 defeat last season to Caen.

Serie A expert Tancredi Palmeri speculated that Bielsa may now take up the vacant position as manager of the Argentina national side following Gerardo Martino's decision to quit the job on Tuesday:

Watch this space! Marcelo Bielsa set to become new Argentina manager after surprisingly pulling off from contract already signed with Lazio!

— Tancredi Palmeri (@tancredipalmeri) July 8, 2016

Bielsa previously held the post of Albiceleste boss from 1998 to 2004, leading Argentina to an Olympic gold medal at the Athens Games before resigning his post.

His appointment as Argentina manager back in 1998 also came after he unexpectedly ended a short spell with Espanyol, per Squawka:

In 1998, Marcelo Bielsa took over Espanyol for just 108 days before taking the Argentina national job.

History repeating itself.

— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) July 8, 2016

Having taken over as manager following the sacking of Stefano Pioli in April, Inzaghi was supposed to move to Serie B side Salernitana, but he will now remain at Lazio, per Italian football writer James Horncastle:

Bielsa has bottled it. Simone Inzaghi will carry on as Lazio coach [instead of going to Salernitana] https://t.co/UChtuepxbV

— James Horncastle OMRI (@JamesHorncastle) July 8, 2016

The Rome outfit could only finish eighth in the Italian top flight last season, but there had been optimism about the upcoming campaign, with Horncastle describing Bielsa's appointment as a "coup" for Lazio.

However, there is now major uncertainty at the club, who will need to search for another manager capable of improving their prospects in the 2016-17 Serie A season.