Lazio's Attack Rebuild: Gattuso Targets Pinamonti After Dieng Deal Falls

Bamba Dieng’s move to Lazio has collapsed, and it has blown the doors wide open on their attack rebuild.

Calcio Mercato report that the Senegal forward failed his medical, forcing the Biancocelesti to abandon the deal at the final hurdle. A problem in the tests, a transfer gone. Lazio had to react on the spot.

Gattuso didn’t hesitate. He has fixed his gaze on one name: Andrea Pinamonti.

Gattuso’s new No 1 target

The Sassuolo striker, born in 1999, has shot straight to the top of Lazio’s shortlist and is now described as Gattuso’s absolute priority for the frontline. No more alternatives, no more long lists. Pinamonti is the man.

Crucially, the player has already asked to leave Sassuolo. That request gives Lazio leverage and a clear path to negotiate, with the Rome club now in a strong position to push the deal over the line.

But it is not a free run.

Fiorentina lurking, Kean the domino

Fiorentina are keeping a close eye on the situation. Their interest in Pinamonti could spike if Moise Kean completes his heavily-rumoured move to Como. Should that domino fall, La Viola will need a replacement and Pinamonti fits the profile.

For now, though, Lazio are still out in front. They are leading the queue, armed with the player’s desire to move and Gattuso’s insistence that he is the right fit.

A busy summer under Gattuso

Pinamonti would be the latest piece in what has already been a proactive window for Lazio.

They have brought in Alfonso Pedraza from Villarreal to strengthen the flanks. Davide Frattesi has arrived on loan from Inter Milan to inject energy and goals from midfield. At the back, Danilho Doekhi has been signed from Union Berlin to add presence and reliability.

One more signing up top, and the puzzle starts to look complete.

Pinamonti offers something precious: proven Serie A know-how. He hit nine goals for Sassuolo in the 2025–26 campaign, a solid return that underlines his ability to deliver in Italy’s top flight. Not a superstar name, but a forward who understands the league and its demands.

Race against the window

Time, though, is ticking.

Negotiations between Lazio and Sassuolo now move centre stage as the transfer window edges towards its close. The two clubs are expected to sit down for decisive talks in the coming days to hammer out the structure of the deal and find common ground on fee and formula.

Gattuso wants his new striker in immediately. His plan is clear: get Pinamonti through the door, get him on the training pitch, and have him ready to hit the ground running in the next fixtures.

If Lazio can turn the Dieng disappointment into the capture of Pinamonti, this late twist could turn a failed move into the defining moment of their summer.