Josip Sutalo wins hearts in Lazio and becomes new leader
Josip Sutalo has, after only two appearances for SS Lazio, won the hearts of the Italian media and is already being labeled by the press as the new leader of the Roman defence. The Croatian international, who was signed from Ajax in the summer of 2023 for around twenty million euros, makes an immediate impression.
Rapid rise and statistical top performances
The defender had previously played 108 matches for Ajax, but could not fully meet the high expectations. At Lazio he recorded, in his first two games, against AC Milan (2‑2) and Venezia (0‑2), twelve ball recoveries – four more than the number two in the defensive ranking. His defensive figures were praised by Corriere dello Sport as a direct conquest of the Italian defensive hall of fame.
Coach Gennaro Gattuso received a broken hand from Danilho Doekhi during the match against Milan, which forced Sutalo to start unexpectedly in the lineup. Despite a shaky first half, he stayed upright thanks to his experience and timing and dominated the two matches, which the newspaper describes as "a top‑class impact".
Contractual situation and future outlook
Ajax has loaned Sutalo to Lazio this season with a purchase option under certain conditions; should those not be met, he will return to Amsterdam next summer. Corriere dello Sport reports that the total loan fee and the purchase option could rise to fifteen million euros, an amount the club considers fully justified.
The newspaper emphasizes that Sutalo, the only Lazio player who has played at the World Cup, now also wants to cement his place in the Croatian national team. With Nations League fixtures against the Czech Republic, Spain (twice) and England on the agenda, he is focusing first on the internationals before devoting himself fully to the club.
Gattuso, according to the Italian press, “cannot wait” for Sutalo to return, and there is already talk of a “Sutalo factor” that will stoke the competition with Danilho Doekhi, especially now that the Croatian international has a busy international programme.