Lotito used his unveiling as Reggina's new owner to renew his long-standing campaign against Italy's ban on multi-club ownership, even as his own club continued their pre-season preparations back in Rome with a behind-closed-doors friendly against the Primavera side.
The Lazio president, who has now also taken control of the Calabrian club, fielded questions on the relationship between the two sides during a press conference to present his new project in Reggio Calabria.
"Multi-club ownership? It's no secret. I'm used to working step by step. The rule created damage for Italian football and for the regions. First of all we have to win the league, then we'll see. That rule was changed, unfortunately, to the detriment of De Laurentiis. If there had been a second Lazio team here there wouldn't have been any problems, whereas there are for clubs," he said.
Lotito went on to explain why he believes the multi-club model is beneficial.
"Double ownership was my idea and it brings economic, territorial and youth development benefits. It helps preserve sporting competitiveness and adds value to local areas. There are numerous examples of multi-club ownership in Europe, and Serie A's governing body has already signalled its intention to reopen the debate.
"Today many regions are losing professional football because there aren't enough investors. We have to bring top-level football back to the south too."
Asked whether he might eventually sell Lazio, Lotito declined to shut the door entirely.
"Anything can happen in the next twelve months. Malago has said multi-club ownership won't be discussed during this period, but the season lasts twelve months and the Lord works in mysterious ways. One thing is certain: with Lotito, results arrive, don't forget that."
Back at Formello, head coach Gennaro Gattuso gave his own upbeat assessment of the club's first week of pre-season work, speaking after the friendly against the Primavera in comments reported by Lalaziosiamonoi.it.
"We have to give credit to the lads who worked hard and had a really good week. We knew we'd struggle a bit but we did good things. It was very hot, but they were good. They didn't give up, and we did well to lose few players. I think we have to keep going down this road, we know we still have a lot to improve on, but the spirit, mentality and desire were there. And we have to build from that," Gattuso said.
He also gave an update on his squad's fitness.
"Rovella had a fever for two or three days, we did everything we could to keep him away from his team-mates. Today he did a really important training session, he lost three days of training. Nuno is the one who worries us most, he has an inflammation in his knee. We've kept the others quiet so as not to risk anything. From Wednesday when we resume, we hope to see most of them on the pitch."