What Argentina’s Scaloni declined lazio’s offer, citing commitment

What Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni told former Lazio boss Edoardo Reja when the Italian club offered him the job in 2024: “I have a commitment and won’t back down.” Reja revealed the offer was made two years earlier, but Scaloni refused.

Reja told Il Messaggero that he first met Scaloni at Lazio and later brought him to Atalanta. He called Scaloni “inspiring”, with a futuristic vision and a clinical eye for evaluating players from the bench, including opponents.

Scaloni’s Serie A experience includes spells at both Lazio and Atalanta, where he made 40 appearances under Reja, scoring one goal and providing three assists. Reja praised him as a charismatic, very smart leader whose character made teammates follow him when he spoke.

In 2024, Reja said he spoke with Lazio President Claudio Lotito and asked Scaloni whether he wanted to return as coach of the Biancocelesti. Scaloni answered, “No, coach. I’m staying with Argentina, I have a commitment and won’t back down.”

Lazio have changed three coaches in the last three years, with Marco Baroni dismissed after failing to qualify for Europe. Maurizio Sarri returned for a second stint in 2025‑26 but left by mutual consent after missing European qualification. For the 2026‑27 season the club appointed Gennaro Gattuso as head coach.

As the head Coach of ARGENTINA, Scaloni continues to lead the national side, a role he has held since 2018. His refusal to join Lazio underscores his dedication to the Argentine project over club opportunities.

Reja’s revelations highlight the missed opportunity for the Biancocelesti to secure a coach with recent Serie A insight and a strong leadership profile. Meanwhile, Lazio must persist in its search for stability while Scaloni remains focused on guiding ARGENTINA.