Lotito backs Baroni at Lazio, warns Inter and Milan must exclude criminal ultras | OneFootball

Lazio President Claudio Lotito takes credit for Marco Baroni’s strong start to the season after fan protests and warns the Inter and Milan ultras investigation is the tip of the iceberg.

The Europa League tie with OGC Nice kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 17.45 UK time (16.45 GMT).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game, Elfsborg-Roma and Fiorentina-The New Saints on the Liveblog.

When Maurizio Sarri and then Igor Tudor left in the space of a few months, Lazio fans were furious and staged protests, complaining that Baroni was a downgrade on those coaches. However, he has started the campaign with some big victories, including 3-0 over Dynamo Kyiv in the Europa League.

“I always say that the ball is for many, the football is for few,” President Lotito told Sky Sport Italia.

“We make our decisions when evaluating the professionalism, technical gifts, potential and what a person can give a club. We did not make a random decision, nor one dictated by economic considerations. We were convinced that it was the right decision and the results are confirming we were right.”

Lotito on Inter and Milan ultras investigation

There has been an investigation into organised crime within the Inter and Milan ultras groups, who also have a strong bond with the clubs, and this is something Lotito has battled at Lazio over the years too.

“I do not know the details and cannot express judgment. Since I have been President, I have always said that teams need to choose lawfulness rather than consensus. Choosing lawfulness means excluding those elements who use sport and especially football to make profit. There are many illegal activities within the curva and it reduces the sporting level of the club as well as decreasing security, so I am in favour of more action to clamp down on these issues.”

Nuno Tavares and Boulaye Dia have proved impressive new signings over the summer for Lazio, but Lotito above all hails the project.

“The best decision was renewing the squad and building a team based on sporting merit, spirit and determination. I hope the aspects we saw in the first few games will continue throughout the season in Italy and Europe.”

Lotito is a leading figure in the Lega Serie A, so is there news on the plans to end next year’s transfer window before the season begins?

“What the Lega Serie A decides will be done by the 20 clubs. There has been a discussion, we’ll see what is the best option exclusively in the interests of football.”