Fabiani: "We’re Not Selling Anyone, The Project Continues, And This Team Is Still Growing. Now, I’m Just Waiting For Sarri To Tell Me Who Won’t Be Included In The Serie A List."

While Lazio battle through a turbulent pre-season marked by a transfer ban and uncertainty on the pitch, a different kind of drama unfolded off it, and it came straight from the club’s sporting director, Angelo Fabiani.

In a rare move that surprised fans and media alike, Fabiani was noticeably absent from Lazio’s pre-season tour in Turkey, where the Biancoceleste faced both Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray. His absence didn’t go unnoticed, drawing criticism from parts of the fanbase and media for what some saw as a lack of leadership during a sensitive time for the club.

But Fabiani didn’t stay silent for long. In a fiery interview with Il Tempo, the 63-year-old director didn’t just defend his absence, he came out swinging.

“Yes, I was away celebrating my birthday with my family,” he said. “If some beggar doesn’t understand the value of that, it’s a shame for him. I don’t owe anyone an explanation. After all, it’s been years since I’ve even understood what a ‘vacation’ means.”

The bluntness of his response has stirred further controversy, especially considering Lazio's transfer activity, or lack thereof. With a COVISOC-imposed transfer ban in place, the club is unable to sign new players this summer. This makes the director’s visibility and leadership all the more crucial during these uncertain times.

However, Fabiani didn’t just stop at addressing his personal break. He doubled down on Lazio’s transfer stance, insisting the current squad will not be dismantled.

“As I’ve said before, we’re not selling anyone,” Fabiani stated. “The project continues, and this team is still growing. Now, I’m just waiting for Sarri to tell me who won’t be included in the Serie A list.”

That last point might raise eyebrows. Maurizio Sarri reportedly needs to exclude two players from his Serie A squad. Among those at risk are Toma Basic, Tijjani Noslin, Samuel Gigot, Patric, Manuel Lazzari, and Elseid Hysaj, players who now face an uncertain future in Rome.