Lazio’s Hope Crushed: Home Struggles Lead To European Exit

After nine straight seasons in continental competition, Lazio will sit out Europe in 2025–26, marking a dramatic end to a fixture that has become all too familiar at the Stadio Olimpico. The Biancoceleste’s 1-0 home defeat by Lecce, coupled with Fiorentina’s late victory over Udinese, extinguished any hope of a Conference League spot and sealed Lazio’s fate outside the Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League.

This is Lazio’s first season without European qualification since 2015–16, when the club also finished eighth. Back then, Simone Inzaghi’s side watched from the sidelines as continental tournaments unfolded. Now, nine years later, another campaign has concluded with the Roman outfit out of Europe, ending an eight-year streak of participation.

Lazio’s struggles at home have deepened their late-season woes. Since their last victory at the Stadio Olimpico against Monza on February 9, the team has failed to secure another win on home turf, a worrying streak that has left both fans and players increasingly disheartened.

Supporters didn’t hold back on social media, voicing their frustration loudly. On X (formerly Twitter), reactions ranged from demands for accountability—“Not even on the final day did you show respect to the fans”—to widespread criticism of the club’s leadership. The hashtag “#BaroniOut” quickly gained momentum, with some fans even calling for the return of former coach Maurizio Sarri.

Marco Baroni, who led Lazio to a seventh-place finish with 65 points, has found himself in the firing line. Fans have pointed to poor tactical choices and a lack of energy in recent matches as reasons behind the team's downward spiral.

Still, Lazio now faces the off-season with a mission to regroup and rebuild. Club officials and the coaching team are expected to meet soon to assess the year and set a strategy for the future. With several transfer moves already being considered and a solid squad foundation, Lazio hopes this setback can spark a renewed drive to return to European competition.

After nine consecutive years on the continental stage, Lazio’s absence from Europe is a sobering moment—but also an opportunity to reassess, regroup, and return stronger in 2026.