Lazio Shifts Focus to Pinamonti After Dieng Medical Failure

Lazio’s attack was supposed to be rebuilt around Bamba Dieng. That idea lasted right up until the medical room door closed.

According to Calcio Mercato, the Senegal forward failed his medical examinations, collapsing a deal that had been on the brink of completion and forcing the Biancocelesti to redraw their late-window strategy in a matter of hours.

Gattuso’s new No 1 target

Gennaro Gattuso did not waste time licking his wounds. With Dieng off the table, the Lazio coach has pushed Sassuolo striker Andrea Pinamonti to the very top of his list, making the 1999-born forward his clear priority to lead the line.

Pinamonti has already told Sassuolo he wants out. That request changes the dynamic of the talks and places Lazio in a strong negotiating position, with the player openly ready for a new chapter and Rome emerging as his preferred destination.

Fiorentina lurking, Kean the domino

The deal is not uncontested. Fiorentina are keeping a close eye on the situation and could step up their interest if Moise Kean completes his heavily-rumoured move to Como. Should that domino fall, the Viola will need a replacement and Pinamonti fits the profile.

For now, though, Lazio remain in front. They moved first after the Dieng collapse, they have Gattuso’s clear backing for the move, and they can sell Pinamonti on a central role in a rebuilt attack.

A busy summer under Gattuso

Pinamonti would arrive at the end of an already energetic summer in the capital. Under Gattuso, Lazio have reshaped key areas of the squad: Alfonso Pedraza has come in from Villarreal, Davide Frattesi has been secured on loan from Inter Milan, and Danilho Doekhi has joined from Union Berlin.

An Italian centre-forward with Serie A miles in his legs would round out that work. Pinamonti hit nine goals for Sassuolo in the 2025–26 campaign, a return that underlines his reliability in domestic competition and offers a platform for further growth in a more ambitious side.

Race against the window

Time, though, is shrinking. With the transfer window ticking towards its close, attention now turns to the details between Lazio and Sassuolo: fee, structure, and any potential bonuses that could unlock an agreement.

Both clubs are expected to hold decisive talks in the coming days. Gattuso wants his man in quickly, desperate to integrate what he sees as his new focal point before the next run of fixtures.

If Lazio can close the deal, Pinamonti’s arrival will not just patch over the failure of the Dieng move. It will mark a dramatic late twist in their attacking plans – and perhaps define the character of Gattuso’s first full season in Rome.