On Monday, Lazio paid tribute to Sven-Goran Eriksson, who passed away at 76 after battling cancer. Eriksson, the legendary Swedish coach, led Lazio to their historic second Scudetto in 2000.
Lazio President Claudio Lotito expressed deep admiration for Eriksson, stating, “Lazio won’t forget him.” Lotito described Eriksson as “not just the most successful coach in Lazio’s history” but also a man of “huge integrity” and “a lovely and gentlemanly person.”
Lotito recalled Eriksson’s courage in facing his illness, which inspired many. “His courage in facing the illness was an example,” Lotito remarked. He remembered Eriksson’s last visit to Rome’s Stadio Olimpico, where fans emotionally greeted him. “I’d like to hug him again, to whisper in his ear that Lazio will never forget him,” Lotito concluded, extending condolences to Eriksson’s family.
Alessandro Nesta, Lazio and Italy’s defensive legend, also honoured Eriksson. He called him an “extraordinary person” and said, “I will always keep you in my heart.” Nesta, the captain of Lazio’s 1999-2000 team, expressed deep gratitude: “Thanks for everything”.
Roma, Sampdoria and Fiorentina also remember Eriksson
Eriksson’s legacy at Lazio stands alongside his other notable achievements in Italy. He also coached Roma from 1984 to 1987, winning the Italian Cup in 1986. Roma expressed condolences, stating, “Rome mourns the passing of Sven-Goran Eriksson”.
Rome’s Mayor Roberto Gualtieri highlighted Eriksson’s influence on the city. “All of sporting Rome pays homage to Sven-Goran Eriksson,” Gualtieri stated. He also praised Eriksson’s courage in facing cancer, calling it “an example of dignity, love and courage.”
Sampdoria, where Eriksson coached from 1992 to 1997, remembered him as a “gentleman.” The club noted his “dignity” in battling cancer and recalled the “unforgettable emotions” he brought to their fans. Sampdoria’s statement expressed deep respect for Eriksson, who led them to the Coppa Italia victory in 1994.
Fiorentina, Eriksson’s fourth Italian club, also honoured his memory. The club’s official statement noted that Eriksson served as Viola’s technical director from 1987 to 1989. Although winless in Florence, Eriksson’s time with Fiorentina remains part of his extensive and successful career in Italy.
Global influence
Eriksson’s influence reached globally. Premier Giorgia Meloni noted his “indelible mark on football.” She quoted Eriksson’s poignant words after revealing his terminal cancer diagnosis: “I hope you will remember me as a positive guy who tried to do everything possible.”
Eriksson’s career spanned multiple countries and clubs, including England, where he became the first foreign coach of the national team. His relationships with glamorous figures like Nancy Dell’Olio also kept him in the public eye. Despite his global fame, Eriksson remained deeply connected to Italian football, where he left an enduring legacy.
Roberto Mancini, a star of Lazio’s 1999-2000 Scudetto-winning team, remembered Eriksson as a “wonderful man.” On Instagram, Mancini posted a heartfelt tribute, saying, “Bye Mister you were an amazing coach and a wonderful man,” along with a photo of them smiling together on the Lazio bench.
Liverpool recently honoured Eriksson by making him an honorary manager for a day, fulfilling one of his dreams. Eriksson’s legacy, both in Italy and abroad, remains a testament to his profound influence on football.
