Lazio Set Sights on Strikers Lucca and Piccoli as Gattuso Eyes Reinforcement

FolioPitch.com – 28 June 2026 | Lazio are intensifying their search for a new center-forward, with the club’s Lazio interest in Lucca after Nottingham Forest spell and Fiorentina s Piccoli becoming a key storyline in the summer transfer window. Under new coach Gennaro Gattuso, the Aquile are revamping their squad and are determined to fill the void left by Taty Castellanos, who was sold to West Ham United in January. According to multiple sources, including Tuttomercatoweb, Sport Mediaset, and Gazzetta dello Sport, Lazio are primarily targeting a big striker and have identified Napoli’s Lorenzo Lucca and Fiorentina’s Roberto Piccoli as top candidates. However, the club’s strategy is clear: they are only willing to offer loan deals, with no outright purchases on the table.

The Lazio interest in Lucca after Nottingham Forest spell and Fiorentina s Piccoli stems from the need for a physical presence up front. Lucca, who joined Napoli for €35 million from Udinese last summer, endured a difficult season. He made just six months at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona before being loaned to Nottingham Forest for a €2 million fee. At both clubs, he struggled to make an impact, managing only three goals in 32 competitive appearances this campaign. Despite these struggles, Lazio see potential in the 24-year-old Italian, especially as Napoli are eager to sell or at least facilitate a move that could raise his market value. The proposed deal is a loan with an option to buy set at around €18 million, though Napoli may consider this too low for a player they invested heavily in. There is also talk of including Lucca as part of a swap deal to reduce the cost of Mario Gila from Napoli.

Meanwhile, the Lazio interest in Lucca after Nottingham Forest spell and Fiorentina s Piccoli also extends to Roberto Piccoli, the Fiorentina striker who spent last season on loan at various clubs. Piccoli, 23, is seen as a more affordable alternative, but again Lazio are only prepared to bring him in on a loan basis. Fiorentina may be open to a temporary move, especially if it includes an option to buy later. The club’s reluctance to commit to a permanent transfer reflects a cautious approach under Gattuso, who wants to evaluate players before making long-term investments.

Lazio’s search for a striker has become a pressing issue as they prepare for the upcoming Serie A campaign. The team’s attacking options were severely depleted after Castellanos’ departure, and Gattuso’s system relies heavily on a target man who can hold up play and finish chances. Lucca, despite his recent failures, fits the profile with his 1.93m frame and physicality. Piccoli, while smaller, offers versatility and has shown promise in flashes. Both players will be eager to revive their careers at a club like Lazio, where regular playing time could be available.

From Napoli’s perspective, offloading Lucca is a priority. The club has already moved on from him and sees the Lazio interest as an opportunity to recoup some of their investment. However, they may demand a higher option fee or a mandatory purchase clause. For Fiorentina, Piccoli’s departure could free up space and wages for other targets. The coming weeks will be crucial as Lazio negotiate with both clubs.

In conclusion, the Lazio interest in Lucca after Nottingham Forest spell and Fiorentina s Piccoli highlights the club’s strategic shift to strengthen their frontline without committing to expensive permanent deals. Gattuso’s ability to revitalize these struggling attackers could be key to Lazio’s success next season. Fans will be watching closely to see which striker eventually dons the Biancoceleste jersey.