Maurizio Sarri leaves Lazio again after dismal season as Atalanta move looms

Lazio confirmed on Wednesday that Sarri and his coaching staff had terminated their contracts by mutual consent, bringing the 67-year-old's latest spell in Rome to a close after just one season back in charge.

"S.S. Lazio announces that a mutual agreement has been reached to terminate the contracts of head coach Maurizio Sarri and his coaching staff," the club said in a statement, while also posting a farewell video on social media captioned: "Thank you for everything, Commander."

Sarri returned to Lazio last summer after previously managing the club between 2021 and 2024. During his first spell, he guided the Biancocelesti to a runners-up finish in the 2022-23 Serie A season - their best league result since winning the title in 2000.

However, his second tenure failed to replicate that success. Lazio finished ninth in Serie A this season and suffered a 2-0 defeat to Inter Milan in the Coppa Italia final, capping a frustrating year for the Rome club.

The season was also overshadowed by growing unrest among supporters, with many fans boycotting matches in protest against long-time owner Claudio Lotito.

Sarri had originally resigned during his first spell after a poor run of results, with reports at the time citing family reasons for his departure.

Italian media now widely expect Sarri to take over at Atalanta, although the Bergamo side have yet to officially dismiss current coach Raffaele Palladino.

Meanwhile, former Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso is reported to be the leading candidate to replace Sarri at Lazio. Gattuso has been without a club since leaving the Italy national team job after the Azzurri failed to qualify for the World Cup.

Sarri's exit is the latest managerial shake-up in Serie A following the end of the season, with AC Milan also parting ways with Massimiliano Allegri earlier this week.

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