Gattuso Shuts Down Lazio Move for Free Agent Mauro Icardi
Lazio head coach Gennaro Gattuso explicitly ruled out signing free agent striker Mauro Icardi on Friday, September 18, 2026, ending speculation of a move to Rome.
Speaking at a press conference in Rome, Gattuso cited squad depth issues and commitments made to existing forwards like Andrea Pinamonti and Albert Gudmundsson as the primary reasons for turning down the former Inter and Sampdoria forward. Icardi remains a free agent following the expiration of his Galatasaray contract in June 2026, despite holding exploratory talks with the Biancocelesti.
Gennaro Gattuso
coachThe decision leaves the 33-year-old striker searching for a new club after recording 121 goals across 219 Serie A appearances in his career. Gattuso emphasized that management elected to honor prior commitments made to the existing attacking roster rather than disrupt squad balance.
“Let’s put this whole Icardi mess to rest,” Gattuso said during his Friday press conference.
Lazio
club“He has scored 250 goals in his career, and nobody questions his value. We made our choices; we signed Pinamonti and Gudmundsson, and when you give your word to players, you can’t go back on it.”
Lazio currently sit on three wins and one draw through four matches this season. The squad travels to face Venezia at the Stadio Penzo on Saturday, September 19, 2026.