Reja reveals Scaloni rejected Lazio approach
Edoardo Reja has disclosed that he offered Lionel Scaloni the Lazio managerial position in 2024, only for the Argentina head coach to turn down the opportunity to remain with the World Cup holders. Reja, who coached Scaloni during his playing days, revealed that he approached the 46-year-old at the request of Lazio president Claudio Lotito.
Speaking to Il Messaggero, Reja recalled the conversation: “In 2024, I spoke with Lotito and asked Scaloni whether he wanted to return to Lazio as a coach. He replied: ‘No, coach. I’m staying with Argentina, I have a commitment and won’t back down.'”
Player-coach bond
The connection between the two men dates back to Scaloni’s playing career in Serie A. The former defender made 40 appearances under Reja at both Lazio and Atalanta, registering one goal and three assists. Reja signed Scaloni for Atalanta after initially working with him at Lazio.
Reja praised Scaloni’s leadership qualities and tactical understanding during their time together. “He was a charismatic, very smart leader,” Reja said. “The squads I managed viewed him as a figurehead due to his character and personality. He possessed a sharp ability to assess players and conveyed futuristic ideas about the game.”
Lazio’s managerial merry-go-round
Scaloni’s decision to remain with Argentina has left Lazio continuing their search for stability at the helm. The Roman club has employed three different coaches over the past three years. Marco Baroni led the side during the 2024-25 campaign but was dismissed after failing to secure European qualification.
Maurizio Sarri returned for a second spell in 2025-26 but departed by mutual consent this summer following another failure to reach continental competition. For the upcoming 2026-27 season, Lazio have appointed Gennaro Gattuso, who joins just months after his Italy national team failed to qualify for the World Cup.
Scaloni, who guided Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, continues to oversee the national team setup whilst Lazio attempt to end their cycle of managerial changes.