Sarri’s Summer Shake-Up: Lazio Prepare With Shortened Formello Retreat And High-Profile Matches Abroad

Lazio are wasting no time getting back into action as Maurizio Sarri’s new era takes shape with a summer program that breaks with tradition and promises high intensity from the start. According to Corriere dello Sport, the Biancoceleste are set for a fast-paced preseason, with several changes to their usual routines and plenty of big matches lined up ahead of the new campaign.

For the first time in years, Lazio will not hold their summer training camp in Auronzo di Cadore. Instead, all preseason activities will kick off at the club’s Formello headquarters, but with a twist—this year’s training retreat will last just 13 days, a significant shift from Sarri’s preference for longer, more detailed preparations in previous seasons. In recent years, the camp ranged from 17 to 19 days, making this shortened schedule a notable change.

The squad will reconvene on Thursday, July 10th, for routine medicals and assessments, with official training beginning on Monday, July 14th. Most of the sessions will take place behind closed doors, though Lazio are considering opening up some access to fans for selected friendlies or open jogs, pending safety and logistical approval from local authorities.

After wrapping up their initial stint in Formello, Lazio will embark on a series of high-profile international friendlies to fine-tune their preparations. The Biancoceleste are set to travel to Istanbul, where they will face Turkish giants Fenerbahce and Galatasaray in two challenging matches designed to test the squad’s progress.

The preparations will continue into August, with a trip to England for a friendly against a Premier League club. Details are still under wraps, but the official announcement is expected soon, pending the finalization of contracts. 

Rounding off their summer preparations, Lazio will host Greek side Olympiacos in a friendly on August 16th, just a week before the Serie A curtain rises. The match will offer Sarri’s men one last chance to sharpen their form and tactical setup ahead of the highly anticipated season kickoff.

With a shorter training camp, a fresh location, and a string of international challenges, Sarri’s Lazio are determined to hit the ground running. The club’s new approach underlines their ambition to improve on last season’s results and lay the foundations for a successful campaign—both in Italy and on the European stage.