[Official] Ledesma Returned To Lazio To Guiding Lazio U17

For Lazio fans, the name Cristian Ledesma carries a special weight. Now, nearly a decade after his playing days with the Biancoceleste, the former midfield maestro is officially back in Formello, but this time, he’s wearing a different badge: head coach of Lazio’s Under-17 team.

The club recently unveiled its full youth coaching structure for the 2025/26 season, and among the highlights is the emotional return of Ledesma, one of the most iconic figures in Lazio’s recent history. With over 300 appearances for the club and a deep understanding of what it means to wear the eagle on his chest, Ledesma is expected to bring both passion and experience to the next generation.

According to Il Messaggero, the Argentine-born Italian, who previously gained coaching experience with Ascoli’s Primavera side and even founded his own football academy, is now entrusted with guiding Lazio’s U17 squad. His mission? To help mold future first-team players with the same discipline and leadership he once displayed on the pitch.

But Ledesma isn’t the only familiar face returning to the Lazio family.

Cristiano Lombardi, another product of the club’s youth system, has been appointed head coach of the Under-16 team. Still just 30 years old, Lombardi hung up his boots last September after a career filled with loan spells and a memorable debut goal under Simone Inzaghi in Serie A. Having already served as assistant coach for Lazio’s U18, he now takes a bigger step into coaching, following in the footsteps of his former mentor.

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Perrotti will lead the Under-18s. Once a promising midfielder in Lazio’s Primavera setup himself, Perrotti has built a strong coaching résumé, including a spell at Salernitana where he succeeded Stefano Colantuono.

At the younger levels, Alessio Fazi, formerly with Roma’s youth setup, takes charge of the Under-15 squad, while Valerio Gualdaroni and Edoardo Ragaini will oversee the Under-14 Pro and Elite teams, respectively, roles that are critical for spotting raw talent and nurturing it from the ground up.

From Ledesma’s leadership to Lombardi’s fresh perspective, Lazio’s new youth coaching staff reflects a clear strategy: continuity, identity, and homegrown pride. The club is investing not only in its players but also in former legends and alumni who truly understand what it means to grow up wearing sky blue.

In a time when top-tier success often depends on grassroots development, Lazio’s bet on legacy could make all the difference for the stars of tomorrow.