Lazio eyeing two defenders including Brighton's Coppola to replace Milan-bound Gila
Quick summary
Lazio are targeting two defensive replacements for Mario Gila, who is set to join AC Milan, with Brighton's Coppola among the candidates.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceMario Gila is close to completing a move from Lazio to Milan and the latest reports claim that Lazio are already eyeing two potential new centre-backs to replace the Spaniard and Alessio Romagnoli.
Dominguez and Coppola options to replace Gila at Lazio Gennaro Gattuso has recently been appointed as the new head coach of Lazio , and his recruitment will be immediately tested as Lazio go in search of new defenders to replace Gila, who looks set to join Milan and Romagnoli, who is expected to join Al-Sadd.
There are several options on the cards for the Biancocelesti this summer: According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Oliver Provstgaard could be ‘promoted’ to a new role as a go-to starter with Patric and Samuel Gigot as reserve options, but this still leaves the club needing to bring in at least one new starting centre-half, if not more.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that 21-year-old Sergi Dominguez from Dinamo Zagreb is the leading option. The former Barcelona youth player has been based in Croatia for the last 12 months and could be available for a fee as low as €7m-€8m according to the latest updates.
La Gazzetta dello Sport also reports that Brighton are open to the idea of sending out Diego Coppola on loan with a potential option or obligation to buy, just one year after he joined the Seagulls in a €12m move from Hellas Verona .
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 16: Diego Coppola of Brighton & Hove Albion in action during the warm up ahead of the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Fulham at Amex Stadium on August 16, 2025 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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What happened
Lazio are preparing for the departure of centre-back Mario Gila, who is moving to AC Milan, by scouting two defensive reinforcements. One of the main targets is Coppola, currently at Brighton. The move signals Lazio's proactive squad planning as they look to maintain defensive solidity ahead of the new season. The identity of the second defender has not been disclosed, but the club is clearly moving quickly to fill the gap left by Gila's exit.
Chance analysis
Gila's departure to Milan represents a significant loss for Lazio's back line, making the replacement search time-sensitive. Targeting Coppola from Brighton suggests Lazio are looking for a player comfortable in a possession-based system, which could ease tactical transition. This is a typical mid-cycle squad reshuffle with low immediate match impact but notable medium-term consequences for Lazio's defensive depth.
Lazio face a defensive transition with Gila's exit to Milan, making the Coppola pursuit a moderate positive if completed but a potential short-term vulnerability in the interim.
Lazio's defensive recruitment is ongoing; any completed signing would directly affect their projected defensive strength for the upcoming season.