Lazio president Claudio Lotito has defended Italy's Growth Decree.

Lotito insists city rivals Roma wouldn't have bee able to attract coach Jose Mourinho and striker Romelu Lukaku without the local tax breaks.

“Today, Roma have the chance to have Lukaku. Without it [the Growth Decree], they wouldn't have been able to get him!" said Lotito.

“Do you see the problem? They wouldn't have been able to get Mourinho. This is how you cause damage to the clubs.

"Without Mourinho and Lukaku, Roma would be dead."