[Official] Akpa-Akpro Heads To Verona After Contract With Lazio Ends

Jean-Daniel Akpa-Akpro has officially found a new club after parting ways with Lazio earlier this summer. The Ivorian midfielder has signed a contract with Hellas Verona, tying him to the Gialloblù until June 2026.

Born in Toulouse, France, on October 11, 1992, Akpa-Akpro began his career in the youth ranks of Toulouse FC, where he quickly rose through the system. He made his Ligue 1 debut at just 18 years old on August 6, 2011, in a win against Ajaccio. Over six seasons, he made 132 appearances across all competitions, scoring six goals, delivering ten assists, and even wearing the captain’s armband on several occasions.

In 2017, Akpa-Akpro embarked on a new challenge in Italy with Salernitana in Serie B. During three seasons in Salerno, he featured in 61 matches and scored two goals, becoming a reliable presence in the midfield.

His performances earned him a move to Lazio in the 2020/21 season. With the Biancoceleste, Akpa-Akpro not only established himself in Serie A but also made his Champions League debut against Borussia Dortmund on October 20, 2020. That year, he played in eight matches in Europe’s most prestigious competition. In total, he recorded 55 appearances and one goal in a Lazio shirt.

For the 2022/23 campaign, the midfielder loaned to Empoli, where coach Paolo Zanetti made him a cornerstone of the team’s midfield. Akpa-Akpro repaid the faith with 24 appearances, one goal, and one assist, helping the Tuscan side secure safety with a 14th-place finish in Serie A.

Over the last two seasons he has also featured for Monza, racking up 33 Serie A appearances across those campaigns before sealing his move to Verona. 

At the Bentegodi, Akpa-Akpro reunites with Paolo Zanetti, now Verona’s head coach, bringing experience, intensity out of possession, and plug-and-play versatility to a midfield that values work rate and tactical discipline.