Lazio’s ongoing struggles have led to increasing scrutiny of Marco Baroni, the team’s manager, especially after a demoralizing 5-0 defeat to Bologna on March 21, 2025. Pressure is mounting not just from the media, but also from within the club, as statements from the club’s president Claudio Lotito hint at possible changes if the team does not get back on track.
Baroni, however, had begun the season on a high note, leading the team through a promising first half. According to reports from Il Messaggero as noted by Calciomercato, Lotito expressed his continued support for Baroni but emphasized the need for adjustments in the team's lineup, stating that “stay calm and serene, we are satisfied with your work and we believe in you.” He implored Baroni to use rotations more often, akin to the strategy employed at the start of the season, indicating that the pressure to maintain performance is intensifying.
This situation has been compounded by assessments from club officials regarding the team’s overall performance. Sporting Director Angelo Fabiani confirmed that all coaching staff would undergo evaluation at the end of the season. Currently, Lazio stands sixth in the Serie A table, just two points away from the coveted Champions League qualification zone. Yet, with their recent form dwindling and following the disappointing results, doubts have arisen as to whether Baroni’s methods will sustain the squad through the remainder of the season.
Respected sports commentator Pietro Pinelli weighed in on the situation during a recent broadcast, attributing Lazio’s decline to an ineffective summer transfer market that failed to bolster the squad adequately. “The moment attuale della Lazio? Alla fine tutto torna, anche se a un certo punto fai sogni in grande... un mercato non all’altezza di un club prestigioso,” he analyzed, suggesting that the lack of high-caliber players is beginning to reflect the team’s fortunes. He expressed satisfaction with Baroni’s technical contributions, particularly in revitalizing players like Rovella and Isaksen but remained skeptical about the overall trajectory.
In similar sentiment, Delio Rossi, a former coach of Lazio, pointedly stated that Baroni’s tactics shouldn’t be questioned too harshly. He advised focusing team morale rather than getting tangled in the negativity surrounding recent defeats. He mentioned the need for stimulation rather than punishment, indicating that altering training routines might foster a more cohesive atmosphere among the players. Rossi noted, “Baroni ora non deve disperdere energie a replicare a qualcuno... Bisogna canalizzare le energie nella coesione del gruppo.”
Roberto Rambaudi, another ex-Lazio player, also spoke on Radiosei regarding Baroni’s future amidst the ongoing tension. He reflected on a significant 0-6 defeat to Inter in December as a turning point for the squad. He stated, “Se mai la società dovesse scaricare il tecnico, sarebbe una scelta da pazzi,” advocating for Baroni’s continuation as manager while admitting that the situation was intricate. The unfolding circumstances have fans and analysts wondering if the squad can collectively bounce back, particularly ahead of an important match against Torino.
Indeed, Baroni attempted to address the fans directly after the grave defeat to Bologna, taking his players to apologize to the supporters in what some observers interpreted as a necessary gesture while others viewed it as an indication of deeper issues within the club. As noted by journalist Luigi Garlando on the 'La Tripletta' podcast, the action raised questions about whether the team is being held hostage by its vocal ultras, hinting at how supporter pressure influences club dynamics.
The ongoing speculation concerning Baroni's future became more pronounced as reports emerged about a possible successor being lined up should performance not improve. Lotito has allegedly had discussions regarding Alberto Gilardino, a former World Cup champion, as a potential replacement should the club fail to secure European competition qualification. This is primarily because Gilardino is seen as a coach capable of fostering young talent, fitting well into the club’s future vision of regeneration.
Despite the ongoing turmoil, fans remain cautiously optimistic. Baroni’s squad still has the potential to recover and secure a spot in the Europa League. The coming weeks are pivotal for the team as they recalibrate and strategize for future fixtures, with each match critical in defining their season.
As it stands, the Lazio management is at a crossroads, weighing the benefits of continuity against the potential necessity of change. The focus now lies on the performances on the pitch and whether Baroni can realign the team’s trajectory towards European competition as the pressure mounts from fans and stakeholders alike.
