Gattuso Expresses Pride in Lazio’s Mentality Following Draw with Napoli
In a tightly contested match at the Maradona Stadium, Gennaro Gattuso reflected on a resilient performance from Lazio, who drew 1-1 with Napoli, ending their impressive six-game winning streak in Serie A. After the game, Gattuso noted the disappointment within the Lazio dressing room, signaling a significant shift in the team’s mentality.
Davide Frattesi opened the scoring for Lazio with his fourth goal of the season, but the lead was short-lived. Shortly after half-time, Alfonso Pedraza inadvertently scored an own goal, leading to a hard-fought draw. Gattuso highlighted that the team’s defensive efforts, bolstered by multiple saves from goalkeeper Christos Mandas, were crucial in securing a point against a formidable opponent.
“It’s a difficult ground and a strong team,” Gattuso remarked. “I went into the dressing room today and it was like a morgue. We played a great first half, and in the early part of the second they pinned us back, but that was to be expected.”
Despite the draw, Gattuso expressed pride in his players. “I like that the team is disappointed today. We’re proud of these lads. Coming here at a moment like this is never easy, so we have to be satisfied. I want to see more smiles. For me, the performance was there again today.”
Gattuso also praised Frattesi’s attacking runs while noting a tendency for him to want the ball continuously. “Frattesi is stubborn, he goes crazy. He feels out of the game and wants to be on the ball. There are few players in Europe who attack space like him.”
Additionally, Tijjani Noslin, who assisted the opening goal, earned Gattuso’s commendation for his intensity and discipline, which he deemed improved since the summer friendlies.
The draw leaves Lazio unbeaten after 11 matches, sitting atop the table with 29 points, two ahead of Roma. Despite the strong start, Gattuso urged his players to focus on one match at a time, emphasizing the importance of accumulating points while downplaying their league position. “We mustn’t look at it. Now we recover. The players have three days off, and then on Thursday we go again.”
Lazio faced some injury concerns during the match, losing Josip Šutalo to a muscular issue in the first half, while Nuno Tavares was substituted at the break. Both players will be evaluated during the upcoming international break.
