Lazio have set their sights on Napoli forward Lorenzo Lucca and Fiorentina striker Roberto Piccoli as they look to strengthen their attack ahead of the new season. However, the Serie A side will only consider loan arrangements for either player, presenting a significant hurdle in negotiations.
The Rome club are rebuilding their squad following the appointment of Gennaro Gattuso as head coach. They have operated without a recognised focal point in attack since selling Taty Castellanos to West Ham United in January, leaving a clear vacancy in the final third that the management is eager to address.
Lucca preferred but valuation gap remains
Lucca represents the preferred option for the Biancocelesti. Napoli invested €35 million to sign the centre-forward from Udinese last summer, but the Italy Under-21 international struggled for form during the first half of the campaign. He subsequently joined Nottingham Forest on a temporary deal worth €2 million, yet managed just three goals across 32 competitive appearances for both clubs combined this season.
Despite these modest returns, Napoli remain hopeful that regular playing time in Serie A could restore the player’s market value. Although they are open to moving him on, the Partenopei have placed an approximate valuation of €18 million on any arrangement involving an option to purchase. This figure may prove problematic for Lazio, who are unwilling to commit to a permanent transfer at this stage. Reports suggest Napoli could alternatively attempt to use Lucca as a makeweight in their pursuit of Lazio defender Mario Gila.
Piccoli offers alternative
Should negotiations for the former Udinese man stall, Piccoli offers an alternative solution. The Fiorentina forward has emerged as a secondary target for Gattuso’s side, though again Lazio are prepared to accept only a temporary switch without an obligation to buy.
The striker search forms part of a wider restructuring project at the Stadio Olimpico. Gattuso has inherited a squad requiring significant reinforcement, particularly in forward areas following the mid-season departure of Castellanos to the Premier League.
Both potential deals remain in the early stages of discussion. Lazio’s insistence on loan formulas suggests prolonged negotiations lie ahead, particularly regarding Lucca given the disparity between Napoli’s asking price and the Rome club’s current financial approach.