Lazio draws massive fan support in Ascoli amid calls for moral overhaul of Italian football
Lazio’s senior and women’s squads are gearing up for the new season. Forward Martina Zanoli said the women’s team entered the 2026‑27 campaign with “new energy” and a clear aim to reach the level the club deserves. The group concluded a media‑open training camp in Celano before a scheduled match against Napoli Women.
Club officials also voiced broader concerns. Andrea Agostinelli highlighted the refusal of a 19‑year‑old Danish player to join Lazio as a warning sign, while President Claudio Lotito delivered a speech in the Senate urging a radical moral and structural reform of Italian football.
Supporters have responded enthusiastically. More than 2,000 Lazio fans travelled to Ascoli for a pre‑season friendly, a figure that exceeds the current number of Olimpico season‑ticket holders. Ticket pre‑sales have already surpassed 8,000 and could approach 9,000, confirming a strong demand for the match. The club expects similar crowd numbers for upcoming friendlies in Frosinone, Bologna and Udine.
Meanwhile, sporting director Stefano Mattei warned that the club’s “jewels” have already been sold, limiting the market options for new signings.
Entities: AS Reggina 1914 · Alessandro Fusco · Andrea Agostinelli · Atletico Cassola · Claudio Lotito · Cosimo Patierno · Ernesto Runza · Federico Baggi · Lazio · Lazio (football club) · Martina Santoro · Martina Zanoli
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Reggina signed right‑winger Federico Baggi permanently.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Reggina acquired defender Ernesto Runza on loan from Ravenna.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Reggina signed midfielder Simone Franchini permanently.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Reggina signed Alessandro Acquadro from Cittadella on a contract until 30 June 2028.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Reggina is targeting striker Cosimo Patierno as a major summer acquisition.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Alessandro Fusco said using Lazio’s public funds for Reggina would be illegal and sanctionable.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Martina Santoro claimed that Lazio’s higher revenues could be used to fund Reggina.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] More than 2,000 Lazio fans traveled to Ascoli for a friendly, exceeding the number of season‑ticket holders at the Olimpico. (d5231d26-251a-4f4a-86ab-7f293621aa21)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Andrea Agostinelli said a 19‑year‑old Danish player refused Lazio, calling it a bad signal. (f0ba1822-ce8c-49ac-bfd7-4c984560f061)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Martina Zanoli said the Lazio Women are entering the 2026‑27 season with new energy and aim to reach the level the club deserves. (05a1c96a-f14c-4662-b136-291983d23316)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Lazio Women completed a pre‑season retreat in Celano and prepared for a match against Napoli Women. (c3da6442-f9ef-4aef-bf96-be4b8f06ddea)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Claudio Lotito called for a radical moral and structural reform of Italian football. (643d0358-e835-4c3d-9af9-ffd84c0413fe)