Edoardo Reja revealed he offered Lionel Scaloni the Lazio coaching position two years ago, but the Argentina coach responded, “I have a commitment and won’t back down.”

Former Lazio coach Reja explained that he approached Scaloni for the Biancocelesti role two years ago.

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“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 boasts Serie A experience as a player, having represented Lazio and Atalanta during the latter years of his career.

The Argentine made 40 appearances under Reja at both clubs, netting 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 added.

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“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 has changed coaches three times in the past three years.

Scaloni was offered Lazio return in 2024

During the 2024-25 season, Marco Baroni led the team, but he was dismissed after failing to secure European qualification.

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)

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Maurizio Sarri returned to the Olimpico for a second term in 2025-26 but departed by mutual consent earlier this summer after failing to qualify for European competition as well.

For the 2026-27 season, Lazio appointed Gennaro Gattuso, coming on board shortly after the former midfielder did not qualify for the World Cup with the Italian national team.

Scaloni, a former defender, registered one goal in 67 Serie A matches during his playing career.