Lazio Tracking Serie A Rebel Who Could Replace Dia

Lazio are still following Sebastiano Esposito, who has fallen out with Cagliari at the start of the summer, but they’re facing competition for his services.

Sebastiano Esposito Keen to Leave Cagliari After Contract Fiasco

The 24-year-old is an Inter Milan youth product who had loan spells at a plethora of clubs, including Bari, Sampdoria, and Empoli, before joining the Sardinian club last summer. After a successful season with the Isolani, the two parties were seemingly negotiating a new deal, before the talks faltered, with each side pointing the finger towards the other.

Esposito has been refusing to train with his teammates. He initially went AWOL (although his agent claimed the manager and sporting director had granted him leave), and then started submitting medical certificates to justify his absence.

Lazio Interested in Esposito

According to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, Lazio continue to follow the situation closely, seeking a late-summer opening. However, the transfer market expert believes Esposito could only arrive at Formello if the club manages to offload Boulaye Dia.

Esposito Viewed as Boulaye Dia’s Replacement at Lazio

While his younger brother, Francesco Pio, is a classic No.9, Sebastiano is a more mobile forward who can play various roles upfront but is widely considered a second striker. Perhaps this is why Pedulla believes he would be a natural replacement for Dia rather than Petar Ratkov, who could make way for another target man like Andrea Pinamonti.

The Competition & Formula

Pedulla also warns Lazio about competition from fellow Serie A clubs, including Napoli, who are still planning to make one or two moves in attack, as well as Torino. It also remains to be seen if Cagliari would be open to a temporary formula, as the Biancoelesti cannot afford to buy the player outright.