Fabiani Gives January ‘Guarantees’, Reveals His Best Lazio ‘Signing’
Lazio sporting director Angelo Fabiani promised not to sell any important players during the January transfer window.
The Biancocelesti have been enjoying an outstanding Serie A campaign. Despite dropping two points in the 1-1 draw at Napoli, they headed into the November international break as the shock leaders.
Angelo Fabiani gives Credit to Lazio Working Force
In addition to Gennaro Gattuso’s work on the training ground, Fabiani’s solid transfer campaign has been acknowledged by fans and observers alike, as he was able to recruit important players like Davide Frattesi and Josip Sutalo despite the restrictions. But in his interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, the 63-year-old insisted that the club has many hidden soldiers in the background.
I don’t believe in the philosophy of a one-man show. If things are going well, the credit is not mine, but belongs to a working group that I simply coordinate. I have been fortunate enough to find a secretary like Armando Calveri at Formello, without whom many operations would not have been possible. Then there is Alberto Bianchi, who handles relations with the team perfectly and is much more than a club manager. Finally, we have a head of scouting like Francesco Di Giovanbattista, who is fundamental in identifying the talents we should be monitoring.
Fabiani Feels Lazio Were ‘Lucky’ in the Summer
Fabiani humbly admitted he was slightly fortunate in the market, while emphasising the importance of character when recruiting players.
We may have had a little bit of luck (in the market), but we have worked hard and will continue to do so. A footballer’s technical qualities are there for everyone to see, now more than ever. What is genuinely difficult to identify is personality. And that is what makes the difference.
Gennaro Gattuso: The Right Coach at the Right Time
The former Salernitana director believes timing is key when selecting a new head coach, while praising Gattuso’s qualities.
All coaches are the right ones, but they also have to be appointed at the right time. I have worked with many of them at the various clubs where I have been employed. Those who did not do well simply arrived at the wrong moment. He was our first choice. Lotito is a president who gives considerable freedom in the transfer market, although he is more involved when it comes to choosing the coach. However, neither of us had any doubts about appointing Rino. We knew his qualities very well. Gattuso was a tremendous champion who won everything. But his greatness lies in putting all of that aside in his relationships with players and directors. We handed him the baton, and he is conducting the orchestra brilliantly.
Fabiani Loves Lazio Ambience
Fabiani is pleased with the team’s results this season, but above all, with the positive atmosphere at the club, and insists he isn’t concerned by his expiring contract.
I could mention the results and the league table, but who knows where we will finish? What genuinely makes me happy is the atmosphere that has been created at Formello. Football is alchemy, and we have found the right formula here. My contract? We will discuss that when the time comes. Football is not simply about contracts.
Lazio Won’t Sell Key Players in January
Ahead of the January transfer window, it has been reported that Lazio might cash in on one or more key players to boost the balance sheet and prevent a summer transfer ban. Nevertheless, Fabiani quashed these rumours, promising to keep the squad virtually intact.
It is a fact that the players’ market value has increased considerably. However, nobody will leave during the winter transfer window. I can guarantee that.
Fabiani Proud of Romano Floriani Mussolini Development
The director named Arturo Di Napoli his best career signing, while taking pride in how he handled Romano Floriani Mussolini’s development after the player outgrew the Primavera squad.
Di Napoli, whom I signed for Messina. He wanted to retire, but he ended up becoming King Arthur. As for Lazio, I would say Floriani. It wasn’t a signing, but rather a young player we developed, sent out on loan with a development bonus because we believed in him, and who is now showing everyone what he is capable of.
The 23-year-old has finally rejoined the first team after three loan spells in Serie C, Serie B, and Serie A, and has now become a regular starter. The right-back signed a new contract on Wednesday, tying him to the club until June 2031.
