Lazio-Milan will not be just another match.
Especially for the Rossoneri side coached by Massimiliano Allegri, the stakes have become higher than expected. Napoli’s win over Lecce has put Conte’s team just one point behind the Milan club, while Inter’s home draw against Atalanta has given Allegri's team the chance to virtually reopen the title race and move to within five points of Chivu’s Nerazzurri.
Beyond what the match means for the players on the field and the coaching staff, for the club’s transfer department and management the game at the Olimpico will also be a good opportunity to take another close look at Mario Gila, a target for Milan’s future defense.
Gila is a target for Milan
It is no secret that the Rossoneri want to strengthen their defensive department ahead of the summer. At the moment, the best defense among Europe’s top five leagues can rely only on Pavlovic, De Winter, and Tomori, considering Gabbia’s absence after surgery to treat a groin hernia and the limited playing time of Oodogu, who will most likely leave on loan in the summer.
Even if the Italian center-back had been available, a three-man defense at this level still needs reinforcements, players who can adapt to Allegri’s style of play and philosophy while also complementing a defensive unit that must remain highly reliable.
Mario Gila fits this profile. He also represents an interesting market opportunity given that his contract expires on June 30, 2027, and negotiations for a possible renewal are currently completely on hold. For Lazio president Claudio Lotito, next summer could be the last chance to sell the player for a good fee before risking losing him on a free transfer. And Milan want to be ready, as relayed via Calcio Mercato.
But what is the latest on this deal for the Rossoneri?
According to Matteo Moretto on Fabrizio Romano’s Italian YouTube channel, Gila is a player who will not be easy for the RedBird-owned club to sign. Relations between the two clubs, despite the presence of former Lazio director Igli Tare now working as sporting director for the AC Milan club, are currently described as less than ideal.
Gila (50% of whose future transfer fee would go to Real Madrid due to a sell-on clause) is certainly a player followed by Milan. Further steps and progress, however, will be needed before the situation can be considered advanced or before any concrete negotiations can take shape.
The defender is also liked by several other clubs in Italy and abroad, making him a name to watch closely ahead of the summer transfer window. Milan want to be in the race, and tonight’s match could be a good chance to observe him up close.
