Lazio’s Defensive Shuffle: Teenage Talent Marko Zebic in Sights as Romagnoli Exit Looms

FolioPitch.com – 28 August 2026 | The summer transfer window is entering its final frantic days, and in the Italian capital, the focus has shifted to the defensive line. The key narrative that has emerged is that Lazio Enquire About Croatian Teenager Who Could Replace Romagnoli, with the 19-year-old Marko Zebic of Dinamo Zagreb emerging as a concrete target. While the Biancocelesti have already bolstered their backline, the potential departure of veteran Alessio Romagnoli has forced the club’s sporting directors to scour the market for one more addition.

Lazio have already secured the services of Danilho Doekhi and Josip Sutalo this summer, signalling a clear intent to rebuild their defensive unit. However, the unexpected sale of Mario Gila to AC Milan, combined with the ongoing injury struggles of Patric and Samuel Gigot, has left head coach Gennaro Gattuso with fewer reliable options than he would like. If Romagnoli were to exit in the coming days, the squad would be left with only three fit, first-team central defenders: Doekhi, Sutalo, and Oliver Provstgaard. That is a razor-thin margin for a club competing on multiple fronts, and it explains why the pursuit of a fourth centre-back has become a priority.

According to Italian journalist Rudi Galetti, Lazio have already made a direct approach to Dinamo Zagreb to discuss the conditions of a potential transfer for Marko Zebic. The Croatian champions, however, view the teenager as a top talent and a key component of their future. Reports suggest that Dinamo could be convinced to part ways with him for an offer in the region of €2.5 million, a relatively modest fee for a player of his potential. Yet Lazio are not alone in this race. A Premier League club is also monitoring the situation, which could drive up the price and create a late-summer bidding war.

Zebic is a product of Dinamo Zagreb’s renowned academy and was promoted to the first team at the end of the previous campaign. Despite his youth, he has already demonstrated composure and maturity beyond his years, traits that have caught the eye of scouts across Europe. Interestingly, Lazio had previously attempted to sign his teammate Sergi Dominguez but failed to reach an agreement with the Croatian side. That prior contact could prove valuable in smoothing the path for a deal for Zebic, though the competition from England remains a significant hurdle.

The reason Lazio Enquire About Croatian Teenager Who Could Replace Romagnoli is rooted in the 32-year-old’s uncertain future. Romagnoli was expected to join Qatari club Al-Sadd this summer, a move that had seemed all but certain. He even bid farewell to the Lazio supporters for the second time this year, only for the deal to collapse due to the ongoing unrest in the Middle East. That left Romagnoli in limbo, and now another Italian club has stepped into the fray. Atalanta are reportedly eager to reunite the former AC Milan captain with Maurizio Sarri, the coach who previously guided him at the Stadio Olimpico. However, the Orobici must first offload a defender to make room for Romagnoli, with young Honest Ahanor being linked to a move to Chelsea. If that sale goes through, Atalanta could formalise their offer for Romagnoli within hours.

For Lazio, the situation is delicate. On one hand, the club is actively preparing a contingency plan. On the other hand, the acquisition of Zebic might be contingent on Romagnoli’s departure. If the veteran stays, Lazio would likely have little need for another centre-back, and the Croatian teenager would remain at Dinamo. But if Romagnoli leaves, the club would almost certainly fast-track negotiations for Zebic, even if it means competing with the Premier League side.

The timing of this pursuit is crucial. The transfer window closes imminently, and both Lazio and their rivals are racing against the clock. The fact that Lazio Enquire About Croatian Teenager Who Could Replace Romagnoli is a clear indication that the club is leaving no stone unturned in its quest to strengthen the squad. With Gattuso demanding depth and competition, the arrival of a promising prospect like Zebic could provide both immediate cover and a long-term investment.

From a tactical standpoint, Zebic’s profile fits the modern defender prototype. He is comfortable on the ball, reads the game well, and possesses the athleticism needed to cope with the physicality of Serie A. While he may not be an instant starter, he could be gradually integrated into the squad, much like Provstgaard has been. The €2.5 million valuation makes him a low-risk gamble with high upside, which aligns perfectly with Lazio’s recent transfer strategy of signing young talents with resale value.

As the hours tick by, all eyes will be on the negotiations between Lazio, Dinamo Zagreb, and the interested Premier League club. The Romagnoli saga will also play a pivotal role in determining whether the Croatian teenager ends up in Rome. For now, the only certainty is that Lazio Enquire About Croatian Teenager Who Could Replace Romagnoli, and the coming days will reveal whether this enquiry transforms into a full-fledged deal.

In conclusion, Lazio find themselves at a crossroads. The potential exit of Alessio Romagnoli has triggered a scramble for defensive reinforcements, and Marko Zebic has emerged as the leading candidate. The club’s interest is genuine, with initial contacts already made, but the outcome depends on multiple variables. The Premier League’s lurking presence complicates matters, while Atalanta’s pursuit of Romagnoli could accelerate the process. If all the pieces fall into place, Lazio could secure a talented young defender who might one day replace the veteran in the starting lineup. Until then, supporters will be watching the transfer ticker with bated breath, hoping that the club’s proactive approach yields the desired result before the deadline.