Lazio director ‘disappointed’ at fans boycotting Coppa Italia semi final

Lazio director Angelo Maria Fabbiani won’t be drawn into the latest Claudio Lotito controversy, but is ‘disappointed’ fans boycotted tonight’s Coppa Italia semi-final with Atalanta.

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.

The second leg will be in Bergamo on April 21 or 22, with the winner going on to face either Inter or Como in the Final.

There were only a pitiful 5,000 tickets sold for this match, because thousands of Lazio fans have gathered outside the stadium to cheer on their team, protesting against President Lotito.

The situation has deteriorated in recent weeks after a series of leaked phone calls where Lotito insulted and criticised Lazio fans, also making disparaging remarks about coach Maurizio Sarri.

Lazio facing revolt from supporters

TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 08: SS Lazio President Claudio Lotito prior the Serie A match between Juventus FC and SS Lazio at the Juventus stadium on February 08, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

“I won’t get into the telephone interceptions. It is our duty to honour this season to the end, despite everything and everyone,” director Fabbiani told Sport Mediaset.

“It is disappointing, we would’ve liked to see a full stadium tonight, not so much for us as for the players. We must respect the decision of the supporters, naturally. It is nothing new.”

This is the last chance for the Biancocelesti to salvage their season, as just qualifying for the Coppa Italia Final would guarantee a place in the Supercoppa Italiana Final Four, while winning the trophy means Europa League qualification.

“The lads need to step onto the field for a very important game, important for them, for the club, for those fans who didn’t enter the stadium. Reaching the Coppa Italia semi-final is nothing to be sniffed at. These lads eliminated the two teams who played in the Final last season.”

Can anything be done to break the boycott and win back the support of the Lazio fans?

CAGLIARI, ITALY – FEBRUARY 21: Head coach Maurizio Sarri of SS Lazio looks on during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and SS Lazio at Stadio Sant’Elia on February 21, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

“I don’t want to get into this issue, I respect everyone. I think everyone needs a little common sense. A semi-final is important, regardless of the result, and it is not to be taken for granted.”

These teams met only last month in Serie A, with Atalanta emerging 2-0 winners at the Stadio Olimpico.

However, Lazio won by that same scoreline when they faced off in the 2019 Coppa Italia Final.