Davide Frattesi has completed his transfer to Lazio, joining the Roman club on loan after an emotional departure from Inter that the midfielder likened to a relationship break-up. The Italy international moves to the Stadio Olimpico for a €5 million loan fee with an option to buy set at €10 million, though Inter will retain 50 per cent of any profit from a future sale.
The 25-year-old used social media to bid farewell to Inter supporters, admitting that he and the Nerazzurri were perhaps incompatible despite sharing memorable highs during his two-year spell at San Siro.
The terms of departure
Frattesi joined Inter from Sassuolo in 2023 but struggled to secure a regular starting role, making just 36 starts across 122 competitive appearances. He contributed 15 goals and 12 assists during his time with the club, often making an impact from the bench rather than the first whistle.
The loan arrangement with Lazio includes a €5 million initial fee, with the Serie A rivals holding an option to make the deal permanent for an additional €10 million. Crucially, Inter have negotiated a significant sell-on clause, ensuring they receive half of any profit should Lazio sell the player in the future.
‘We broke the sky in two’
Frattesi’s farewell message struck an unusually personal tone. “It’s true… perhaps we weren’t destined to stay together, perhaps we were incompatible,” he wrote. “We had some highs and lows, but in those moments we broke the sky in two.”
He highlighted his decisive Champions League goals against Bayern Munich and Barcelona as standout moments, specifically referencing his dramatic late winner against the Catalan side when he celebrated by climbing a yellow security barrier. “P.S. The yellow gate is mine, remember,” he added.
However, the midfielder also pointed to Inter’s heavy 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the 2025 Champions League Final as a turning point. “Unfortunately, something changed in my after that cursed final and it’s only right that Inter keep those who can still give 101 per cent,” he explained.
Frattesi described playing for Inter as “the greatest honour of my life” and pledged to remain the club’s “biggest fan” despite the departure. The move represents a fresh start for the Italian, who will hope to secure regular first-team football at Lazio as the Rome club look to challenge for European qualification.