Sarri eyes major midfield signing: Frattesi top target

Maurizio Sarri has identified Inter Milan’s Davide Frattesi as Lazio’s priority target to strengthen midfield ahead of the new season

There are fresh confirmations from Rome: Lazio’s number one midfield target this summer is Davide Frattesi. 

According to Il Corriere di Roma via Fcinter1908, head coach Maurizio Sarri has personally requested the Inter Milan midfielder:
“Sarri wants a big-name signing in midfield. The first name on the list is Davide Frattesi.”

Frattesi, born in 1999 and turning 26 in September, is reportedly looking for more consistent playing time—something he’s struggled to get at Inter Milan. 

The Lazio coach is ready to offer him a return to his hometown, a move that would mark both a sporting opportunity and an emotional one.

For Lazio, Frattesi represents more than just a high-profile signing. Having spent seven years in the club’s youth academy—from age 7 to 14—before moving to Roma, the midfielder is seen by some as a symbol of missed potential. 

His departure as a youngster (mirroring that of Gianluca Scamacca, now at Atalanta) highlights concerns about Lazio’s youth development and player retention strategies.

Lazio could offer Rovella or trigger swap deal with Inter Milan

Bringing Frattesi back to Formello, however, won’t be easy. Lazio may need to sacrifice Nicolò Rovella, either by selling him—he reportedly has a €50 million (£42.8 million) release clause—or offering him in a direct swap deal for Frattesi. 

Inter Milan could consider such a move, especially if a major midfield departure like Hakan Çalhanoğlu occurs this summer.

Still, the operation is described as particularly complex, given the financial and tactical implications on both sides. 

But Sarri’s insistence suggests Lazio could seriously push for what would be a statement signing in Serie A.