What Argentina coach Scaloni said when offered Lazio job in 2024

What Argentina coach Scaloni said when offered Lazio job in 2024 Edoardo Reja reveals he offered Lionel Scaloni the Lazio job two years ago, but the Argentina coach replied: ‘I have a commitment and won’t back down.’ Former Lazio coach Reja reveals that he offered Scaloni the Biancocelesti job two years ago. “I knew him at Lazio, and then I brought him to Atalanta. It was impossible not to talk about football with him; he was inspiring,” Reja told Il Messaggero. “He had his vision and conveyed futuristic ideas. He had a clinical eye in evaluating the footballers, watching them from the bench, including the opponents.” Scaloni had Serie A experience as a footballer, having played for Lazio and Atalanta in the final years of his career. The Argentine made 40 appearances under Reja at both Lazio and Atalanta, scoring one goal and providing three assists. “He was a charismatic, very smart leader. The teams I coached considered him a leader because he had character and personality. Everyone followed him when he talked,” Reja continued. “In 2024, I spoke with [Lazio President] Lotito and asked Scaloni whether he wanted to return to Lazio as a coach. “He replied: ‘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. Scaloni was offered Lazio return in 2024 In 2024-25, they had Marco Baroni in charge, but the Tuscan was sacked after failing to qualify for Europe. BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – OCTOBER 15: (L-R) Walter Samuel, Assistant Coach of Argentina and Lionel Scaloni, Head Coach of Argentina sing the national anthem prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 South American Qualifier match between Argentina and Bolivia at Estadio Más Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on October 15, 2024 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Daniel Jayo/Getty Images) Maurizio Sarri returned to the Olimpico for a second stint in 2025-26 and left the club by mutual consent earlier this summer after missing out on European qualification as well. For 2026-27, Lazio have hired Gennaro Gattuso, with his appointment coming just a few months after the former midfielder failed to qualify for the World Cup with the Italian national team. Scaloni, a former defender, scored one goal in 67 Serie A matches as a footballer.