Pinamonti One Step Away From Lazio as Sassuolo Find Replacement

Lazio are edging ever closer to signing Sassuolo striker Andrea Pinamonti, who would become Gennaro Gattuso’s long-awaited attacking reinforcement.

The Background

The 27-year-old has been on the Biancocelesti’s shortlist since the start of the summer, but only became their top target after missing out on others, like Mauro Icardi, Franjo Ivanovic, Carlos Espi, and Santiago Gimenez.

Lazio on the Verge of Landing Andrea Pinamonti

According to multiple sources in the Italian press, Tuesday could be a decisive day on this front. Lazio had already found an agreement with Pinamonti’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, on personal terms, and have been negotiating a deal with Sassuolo, who insisted on finding a competent replacement before sanctionning the departure of the Italian striker.

Sebastiano Esposito Close to Joining Sassuolo

As reported by Italian journalists Gianluca Di Marzio and Alfredo Pedulla, the Neroverdi have made an important breakthrough in their negotiations with Cagliari for Sebastiano Esposito, who is also in favour of the move. The 24-year-old has also been linked with Lazio, but Gattuso needs a centre-forward rather than a second striker.

Esposito Pushes Pinamonti to Lazio

Esposito’s arrival at the Mapei Stadium would free up Pinamonti, who would join Lazio on loan with an option to buy, but only after extending his expiring contract with Sassuolo. The Biancocelesti have reportedly raised their offer to around €4 million in loan fees in addition to €8 million for the purchase.

Pinamonti’s Serie A Numbers

Pinamonti is an Inter Milan youth product who had loan experiences at Empoli and Genoa, among others. He has been on Sassuolo’s books since 2022. He has thus far made 248 appearances in Serie A, scoring 57 goals and providing 15 assists.