15.10.2026 14:51
Lazio President Claudio Lotito revealed that he carried two guns with him for a period due to threats he received from fans. Claiming that one of the weapons saved his life, Lotito alleged that he received 5,000 threatening phone calls a day. The Italian president's comments about the sale of the club also drew attention.
Claudio Lotito, president of Italian Serie A club Lazio, made striking statements about the tension he experienced with fans and the threats directed at him. According to a report by Italian newspaper La Repubblica, Lotito said in his testimony to prosecutors that he carried two guns in the past because he feared for his safety.
"ONE OF THEM SAVED MY LIFE"
Stating that he had received threats from violent factions of fan groups, Lotito said, "For a long time I carried two handguns, one in front and the other behind. One was automatic, the other was a Smith & Wesson. One time one of them worked; it saved my life."
Lotito also said that he was trapped at a store opening in Rome's Montesacro district and needed the intervention of riot police units to leave the scene.
"I RECEIVE 5,000 THREAT CALLS A DAY"
Claiming that threats against him continue, the Lazio president said, "I receive 5,000 threat calls a day. I'm not joking. I am not someone who shies away from a fight in life; I am someone who fights. I am against bullying."
DENIED CLAIMS THAT THE CLUB WOULD BE SOLD
Also addressing claims that Lazio would be sold to foreign investors, Lotito stated that he does not think of transferring the club and that no purchase offer had reached him. Lotito said, "I have received no offers. Therefore I had to file complaints and apply to Consob stating that I received no offers."
A RESPONSE TO FANS THAT WILL CAUSE A STIR
Also responding to criticism that the club no longer makes fans dream, Lotito drew attention with the words, "If you want to dream, take sleeping pills."