Davide Frattesi made a remarkable return as Lazio triumphed over Bologna, delivering an essential victory that silenced critics following their earlier defeat in the Coppa Italia against Mantova.

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Coach Gattuso celebrated his first three points at the helm of Lazio on a challenging ground, despite fielding an incomplete squad and facing fitness problems with players Marusic and Dele-Bashiru, prompting two tactical changes.

One of those substitutions turned out to be pivotal, as Frattesi entered the fray and quickly made an impact. Coming on in the 54th minute, the 26-year-old connected with Dia’s stunning assist—a backheel nutmeg—and netted the game-winning goal in the 59th minute.

🤩 Under Mancini’s Watchful Eye

Frattesi’s debut could not have been more perfect. His last goal was a cherished memory for Inter supporters on May 6, 2025, during the semifinals against Barcelona. He appears to be an ideal fit for Lazio’s dynamics, and his performance may also catch the attention of Roberto Mancini, who was present at Dall’Ara for the first time since resuming his role as national team coach.

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Some may have overlooked Frattesi’s significance during his final year with Milan. While he struggled in a possession-heavy team like Inter, he becomes an exceptional asset in a different setting.

🧤 Mandas Saves It with… Frattesi!

Bologna left the match disappointed, feeling they had done enough to claim a better result. It appeared that Tedesco’s lineup decisions misfired, as substitutes Bernardeschi, Rowe, and Dovbyk showcased more promise than the starting players.

The home side’s best opportunities came from Odgaard and Bernardeschi, but Mandas pulled off two outstanding saves, with one deflection off the post. Yet, where the Greek goalkeeper faltered, Frattesi demonstrated his defensive prowess by clearing a potential threat off the line.

In a tense moment during the 90+6th minute, Bernardeschi set up Dovbyk in the box for what seemed like a golden opportunity, but the former Roma player hesitated between controlling the ball and shooting. Ultimately, Gattuso celebrated his first victory, while Bologna was left to ponder missed opportunities.

Davide Frattesi is back! Lazio conquer Bologna, securing an important win that sweeps away the criticism after their opening defeat of the season in the Coppa Italia against Mantova.

Watch the full Serie BKT live with LaB Channel on OneFootball: subscribe for just €9.99 per month!

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Gattuso earns his first three points on the biancoceleste bench, and he does it on a historically difficult ground, with an incomplete squad and despite the fitness problems of Marusic and Dele-Bashiru, which forced the former national team coach into two substitutions.

One of those changes, however, proved decisive, because it brought on Frattesi, who — like in the good old days — needed no time at all to make his mark. Coming on in the 54th minute, the 26-year-old latched onto Dia’s शानदार assist (a backheel nutmeg) in the 59th and beat Skorupski for the winning goal.

🤩 Under Mancini’s watchful eye

A dream debut, no doubt about it. Frattesi, whose last goal came on the magical night for Inter fans on May 6, 2025, in the second leg of the semifinal against Barcelona, looks like the perfect man for this Lazio side. And who knows, he may also prove useful to Roberto Mancini, in the stands at the Dall’Ara for the first time since returning as national team coach.

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His final year in Milan may have made people forget just how valuable — and dangerous — the 1999-born midfielder is. In a team like Inter, which makes ball possession its greatest strength, he can struggle, but in a different context he becomes a weapon like few others.

🧤 Mandas saves it with… Frattesi!

Bologna end the match full of regret after a game in which they did not deserve to lose. The feeling is that Tedesco got the starting XI wrong, at least judging by how Bernardeschi, Rowe and Dovbyk all came on and looked much better than those who started.

The rossoblù had their best chances through Odgaard and Bernardeschi, but Mandas produced two miraculous saves, the second with the help of the post. And where the Greek goalkeeper could not reach, Frattesi stepped in once again to clear the ball off the line.

Right at the end, in the 90+6th minute, Bernardeschi found Dovbyk right in the box for the best chance of all, but the former Roma man got caught between controlling and shooting. And that was that: Gattuso’s first joy, against a Bologna side left with plenty of regrets.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.