From Lazio To The Premier League: 5 Players Who Swapped Italy For England

S.S. Lazio have been home to some of the most talented players in European football over the years. Based at Rome’s iconic Stadio Olimpico, the club has also been an important stepping stone for players who have gone on to experience the Premier League.

Several Lazio stars have swapped the Italian capital for England, with some making a significant impact in the Premier League and others finding their time in England more challenging. Here are five players who made the journey from Lazio to the Premier League.

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Juan Sebastian Veron – Lazio to Manchester United

Juan Sebastian Veron was one of the biggest names in European football when he left Lazio for Manchester United in 2001.

The Argentine midfielder had established himself as a key player for Lazio after joining from Parma, helping the club win the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1999, the UEFA Super Cup later that year and the Serie A title in 2000.

His performances earned him a £28.1 million move to Manchester United, making him one of the most expensive transfers in British football at the time.

Veron arrived at Old Trafford with an outstanding reputation, but adapting to English football proved difficult. He spent two seasons with United before moving to Chelsea in 2003. Although his Premier League career did not reach the heights expected, his Lazio years remain among the finest of his career.

Felipe Anderson – Lazio to West Ham

Felipe Anderson became a hugely popular figure at Lazio during his five years with the club before moving to West Ham United in 2018.

The Brazilian winger joined Lazio from Santos in 2013 and gradually developed into one of the club’s most exciting attacking players. His pace, dribbling ability and eye for goal made him a major threat from the flanks.

West Ham paid a club-record fee to bring him to London, and Anderson made an immediate impression during his first season. He scored 10 Premier League goals in the 2018/19 campaign, becoming an important part of the Hammers’ attack.

His time in England eventually came to an end after two seasons, but his first Premier League campaign demonstrated why West Ham had been prepared to make such a significant investment.

Pierluigi Casiraghi – Lazio to Chelsea

Pierluigi Casiraghi took a different route from the other players on this list, leaving Lazio for Chelsea in 1998.

The Italian striker had enjoyed a successful spell at Lazio after joining from Juventus, scoring regularly and establishing himself as an experienced forward. Chelsea brought him to Stamford Bridge as part of a squad that was becoming increasingly international.

Unfortunately, Casiraghi’s time in England was severely affected by injury. A serious knee injury suffered against West Ham in November 1998 effectively ended his playing career.

Casiraghi made just 10 Premier League appearances for Chelsea, meaning his spell in England was sadly remembered more for its devastating injury than what he might have achieved on the pitch.

Aleksandar Kolarov – Lazio to Manchester City

Aleksandar Kolarov was another Lazio defender who made the move to Manchester, joining Manchester City in 2010.

The Serbian left-back had spent three seasons with Lazio and became renowned for his powerful left foot, ability to deliver dangerous crosses and outstanding free-kick technique.

Manchester City signed him as they continued to build a squad capable of challenging for major honours. Kolarov went on to make more than 200 appearances for the club across all competitions.

His time at City included two Premier League titles, with Kolarov playing an important role in the club’s transformation into one of English football’s leading sides.

Wesley Hoedt – Lazio to Southampton

Wesley Hoedt became the most recent player on our list to swap Lazio for the Premier League, joining Southampton FC in 2017.

The Dutch centre-back had joined Lazio from AZ Alkmaar in 2015 and spent two seasons in Rome, making more than 60 appearances for the club.

Southampton signed Hoedt as they looked to strengthen their defence, but his time on the south coast was inconsistent. He made 13 Premier League appearances during his first season before subsequently spending periods away from the club on loan.

Hoedt eventually left Southampton permanently, bringing an underwhelming Premier League spell to an end. Nevertheless, his move remains another example of a Lazio player attempting to make the transition from Serie A to English football.

Lazio & The Premier League Connection

From Veron’s high-profile transfer to Manchester United and Kolarov’s trophy-laden spell at Manchester City, to Anderson’s impressive debut Premier League season and Casiraghi’s unfortunate injury, the journeys of Lazio players to England have produced very different stories.

The Stadio Olimpico has witnessed countless Lazio greats over the years, and for these five players, it was also the starting point for a new chapter in English football.