Rome, Italy – Aug 4, 2026: Lazio boss Gennaro Gattuso trains at Formello Sport Centre (photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Gattuso used a 2‑0 friendly win over Arezzo to test options during the international pause, shifting credit for Lazio’s hot start to his players.
In a club statement, he detailed why he paired Andrea Pinamonti with Tijjani Noslin up front.
‘It’s one solution; you have to try everything,’ he told TuttoMercatoWeb.
After two days of hard work, the squad showed desire and mindset – qualities that can never fade. That drive has always been there, and I hope it stays, because our progress hinges on willingness to work and suffer.
He also praised the academy graduates. ‘Friendlies matter, but a match is a match. Kudos to the Primavera lads,’ he said, adding that the defence boasts four centre‑backs who combine seriousness, humility and hunger, and he aims to minimise his own errors.
Gattuso wary of the break after Lazio built momentum
Lazio sit joint‑top with 13 points from five fixtures – their best Serie A start ever – yet Gattuso remains uneasy about the length of the pause.
‘I lived through a similar lull at Valencia when the World Cup shifted to December. It felt odd; after 20 idle days adrenaline drops and we must keep the temperature up,’ he explained. ‘Rest was right, the result didn’t matter. We managed minutes carefully. It’s strange and we hope it won’t cost us.’
When asked about the accolades for the opening weeks, he deflected them. ‘The praise belongs to the players. The Mantova win surprised even us. We learned there’s no middle ground once we’ve paid the price. The squad arrives smiling, embraces hard work, and if this vibe endures we’ll reap huge satisfaction. For my money, keeping that relentless spirit will define their title chase.’
On fitness, Gattuso noted a fresh issue and some gains. ‘Cataldi suffered a quadriceps problem yesterday; we’ll assess him in the next day or two. Dele‑Bashiru re‑joins the group next week, Marušić has improved markedly, and we’ve begun low‑intensity runs with Rovella.’