Lotito In Rimini: New Football Project On The Horizon?

Speculation is growing in Emilia-Romagna after Lazio president Claudio Lotito was seen visiting the Gaiofana Sports Center in Rimini. The sighting, captured and shared on social media by SportUp Rimini, has fueled talk of a potential new venture by the Biancocelesti owner.

On Friday, September 12, Lotito personally toured the construction site of the Gaiofana Sports Center, accompanied by his technical staff. The Lazio president examined the progress of the facility, which has been stalled in recent weeks, before pausing for lunch in the city and heading back to Rome in the afternoon.

The project, managed by Stefano Petracca’s Responsible Spa, has been under pressure from the Municipality of Rimini, which issued a formal notice demanding payment of €700,000 to contractors and the resumption of work. The deadline expires on September 17. If the company fails to comply, it risks losing the €2 million already invested and could be removed from the project altogether.

Lotito’s unexpected appearance has sparked numerous theories. Is he evaluating the possibility of stepping in to help Responsible Spa complete the work? Could he be considering taking over the project’s commitments through an agreement with the Municipality? Or perhaps preparing to manage the facility once completed? Responsible Spa, meanwhile, has assured that work will resume on Monday.

The Lazio president is no stranger to side ventures in football. In 2012 he acquired Salernitana when the club was in Eccellenza, guiding them back to Serie A by 2021. That experience, however, ended with controversy over a conflict of interest ruling that prevented him from owning two clubs in the same league. The club was later sold to entrepreneur Danilo Iervolino.

Lotito’s history of football involvement outside Lazio is one reason many believe his presence in Rimini could signal something more than a casual visit. Whether linked to Rimini FC or strictly to the Gaiofana Sports Center project, his interest has become a subject of intense local discussion.