Lazio Settle Captaincy Issue: Zaccagni Remains Lazio Captain With Cataldi And Marusic As Deputies

Maurizio Sarri has put an end to the captaincy debate at Lazio by confirming that Mattia Zaccagni will remain the team’s captain for the new season. The Italian winger wore the armband last year, and he will now continue in that role, supported by two vice captains.

Last summer, Lazio faced a tricky choice when long time captain Ciro Immobile stepped down from the role. Many senior players such as Alessio Romagnoli, Ivan Provedel and Adam Marusic backed Danilo Cataldi, a homegrown product of the club’s youth academy. However, Cataldi’s situation changed when he was sent out on loan to Fiorentina under Marco Baroni, leaving the door open for another candidate.

In the end, president Claudio Lotito chose Zaccagni, who had just signed a new contract, as a way to reward his commitment to the club. The decision was not without debate inside the squad, but Zaccagni accepted the responsibility and grew into the role over the season.

When Sarri returned to Lazio earlier this summer, questions about the captaincy surfaced again. During his first press conference back, he gave a cautious answer, saying:

“Unlike other coaches, I don’t place much importance on the armband. Mattia can keep it, if the dressing room wants it.”

Now, according to reports from Il Messaggero, Sarri has seen a different side of Zaccagni, a player who has matured thanks to the responsibility of leadership. With that in mind, the coach decided to confirm him once more as the team’s captain.

The leadership group does not end with Zaccagni. Danilo Cataldi, who has returned from his loan, has regained his status as a respected voice in the locker room and will serve as vice captain. Alongside him, Adam Marusic, one of the longest serving players in the squad since his arrival in 2017, has been named second vice captain.

By confirming Zaccagni and assigning Cataldi and Marusic as his deputies, Sarri has removed all doubt. Lazio now heads into the new season with a stable leadership structure, something the team will need as it looks to compete on multiple fronts.