 In 2001 Kovačević spent a brief time with Lazio (as part-swap deal with Marcelo Salas), making only seven appearances, before moving back to Spain in the middle of the season.In 2001 Kovačević eventually returned to the club at which he found his most success, Real Sociedad.Kovačević would go on to spend 6 more seasons at the club, netting in 51 goals in his second spell with Sociedad.