Amid growing unrest among Lazio supporters and at a time when the club’s future has become a topic of debate in the Italian media, Claudio Lotito has made another significant move in Italian football.
The Biancocelesti owner has completed the acquisition of Reggina, a Serie D club, in a deal that has reignited discussions about multi-club ownership, FIGC regulations and, inevitably, Lazio’s future.
All of this comes against a tense backdrop. Relations between Lotito and a significant section of the Lazio fanbase are going through one of their most difficult periods in recent years, while fresh speculation surrounding a potential change of ownership has emerged around the club.
Lotito Returns to Multi-Club Ownership Through Reggina
Following his experience with Salernitana, “Il Dottore” has returned to southern Italian football through the acquisition of Reggina.
The club from Reggio Calabria, currently competing in Serie D, remains one of the most historic names in Italian football operating outside the professional pyramid.
According to Italian media reports, the deal was worth approximately €2 million, with the new owner aiming to rebuild the club and lead it back to the professional ranks.
The move was immediately viewed through the lens of the Salernitana precedent, a club that Lotito controlled for a decade before its promotion to Serie A forced a separation under federation regulations.
What the FIGC Regulations Say
The acquisition of Reggina has once again brought Italy’s multi-club ownership rules into the spotlight.
Following amendments adopted by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), the simultaneous control of multiple professional clubs is prohibited, although a transitional period remains in place until 2028 for situations that predate the rule changes.
At present, Reggina compete in Serie D and therefore do not fall directly under these restrictions. However, the situation could change should the Calabrian side earn promotion to Serie C, at which point questions regarding the compatibility of the two projects would likely return to the forefront.
This very possibility has fueled numerous discussions in the Italian media, as observers try to understand the strategic logic behind Lotito’s latest investment.
The €450 Million Offer That Reignited Speculation
Alongside the Reggina deal, reports of a potential Lazio takeover have resurfaced in Italy.
Italian newspaper Il Tempo reported that representatives of JPMorgan Chase were working on assembling a consortium of investors interested in acquiring the Rome-based club for approximately €450 million.
The report was quickly picked up by Italian and international sports media, generating significant discussion among supporters.
Lazio’s management reacted swiftly, however, denying the existence of any official offer and stating that the club had received no formal proposal and that no negotiations regarding a sale were underway.
At this stage, there are no public documents, official confirmations or statements from prospective buyers indicating that a transaction is actually in progress.
The Market Thinks Something Is Coming
Even without official confirmation, the market has reacted.
According to Calcio e Finanza, Lazio’s shares rose by approximately 5%, reaching €1.64 per share, their highest value since December 2020.
The financial publication linked the increase to growing investor interest and expectations surrounding an important announcement that Lotito is reportedly expected to make in the coming days.
The nature of that announcement remains unknown, but its timing has been enough to fuel even more speculation surrounding the club.
“There Is Movement Behind the Scenes”
Another element that has added to the debate came from FIFA agent and football pundit Claudio Anellucci.
Speaking to TMW Radio, Anellucci described the situation at Lazio as one that has reached its limit and suggested that signs of a possible change are emerging around the club.
“Today, I’m very optimistic. Perhaps some good news could arrive. There’s movement behind the scenes,” Anellucci said, without providing further details.
For now, it remains unclear whether his comments should be interpreted as evidence of ongoing takeover talks. Nevertheless, they have been enough to reignite discussion at a time when public attention is already focused on Lotito’s next move.
Fan Revolt Continues
All of these developments are taking place against the backdrop of a growing divide between the club’s ownership and a significant section of Lazio supporters.
The organized groups in the Curva Nord have announced a boycott of season tickets and home matches for the upcoming season, accusing Lotito of putting his personal interests ahead of those of the club.
The protests have intensified in recent weeks and represent the strongest challenge to Lotito’s leadership during his more than 20 years in charge of the Biancocelesti.
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