Gennaro Gattuso, the head coach of SS Lazio, expressed confidence in midfielder Davide Frattesi’s ability to support the team while addressing rumors about striker Mauro Icardi. Gattuso indicated that he is working to ‘dismantle’ Maurizio Sarri’s previous tactics to reshape the squad.

The team is set to kick off their competitive season on Sunday with a Coppa Italia First Round match against Mantova at the Stadio Olimpico, beginning at 19:15 UK time (20:15 CEST).

“I don’t feel the tension right now for my debut, but once we’re on the bus going to the Stadio Olimpico, that will start the butterflies in my stomach,” Gattuso stated on the official club website. He also shared that he is pleased with the pre-season preparations, noting, “There’s too much to work on and prepare right now. I had an idea in my head and knew that this was a squad ready to work. The players surprised me with their intensity and desire to do something new.”

Gattuso acknowledged the need to shift away from Sarri’s distinctive football style, aiming instead for a different approach. “They were coming off a very particular style of football and a great coach, but we are trying to dismantle all that and try something different,” he commented.

While Sarri guided Lazio to the Coppa Italia Final, he faced challenges due to the lack of new player acquisitions. The situation appears to have improved for Gattuso, although the transfer of Frattesi from Inter faced delays due to ongoing liquidity index issues.

The acquisition of Frattesi was recently resolved, with the terms changing to include a more expensive loan deal of €5 million alongside a €10 million option to buy, plus 50% of any future sale fee. Previously, the agreement included a mandatory purchase clause for €14 million in addition to a €1 million loan fee.

“Davide is a player I already worked with. I think he can do well because he has precise characteristics. I am a coach, not an accountant, so I can only hope he’ll arrive and then we’ll see,” Gattuso remarked, expressing optimism about Frattesi’s potential contribution.

Additionally, Gattuso indicated Lazio’s interest in acquiring Icardi, who recently became a free agent after departing Galatasaray. “Mauro is a hitman who made football history, but we are looking for a complete striker, someone who can press, run hard, as well as score goals,” he explained. Gattuso emphasized the necessity for a striker who could hold up the ball and exploit space, rather than just a traditional goal-scorer.

Looking ahead to the match against Mantova, Gattuso noted that the opposing team is known for their aggressive play and high pressing style. He reiterated the importance of a solid initial approach, stating, “We still need to understand when we want to stick to our positions and when to move; we’re not yet perfect with those movements.”

Gattuso concluded by reflecting on the ongoing adaptation process within the squad. “I was surprised by how quickly the lads managed to adapt. Some might say our friendly performances weren’t of a high level, but every match is difficult,” he said.

Gennaro Gattuso feels Davide Frattesi can ‘give Lazio a hand’ and discusses Mauro Icardi rumours, but warns he is ‘dismantling’ Maurizio Sarri’s tactics to rebuild the team.

The Aquile begin their competitive season on Sunday with the Coppa Italia First Round tie against Mantova, kicking off at the Stadio Olimpico at 19.15 UK time (20.15 CEST).

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Gattuso has fresh Lazio vision

ROME, ITALY – JULY 20: SS Lazio head coach Gennaro Gattuso reacts during the friendly match between SS Lazio and SS Lazio U20 at the Formello Sport Centre at Formello Training Center on July 20, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

“I don’t feel the tension right now for my debut, but once we’re on the bus going to the Stadio Olimpico, that will start the butterflies in my stomach,” Gattuso told the official club website and Sport Mediaset.

“There’s too much to work on and prepare right now. I’m very satisfied with how pre-season has gone, I had an idea in my head and knew that this was a squad ready to work. The players surprised me with their intensity, their desire to do something new.

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“They were coming off a very particular style of football and a great coach, but we are trying to dismantle all that and try something different.”

Gennaro Gattuso meets Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri (sslazio)

Sarri had taken Lazio to the Coppa Italia Final, but ultimately was too often frustrated by the lack of reinforcements on the transfer market, especially as when he arrived last summer it was not made clear to him that they wouldn’t be able to buy any new players for six months.

The situation has improved a little for Gattuso, although the arrival of Frattesi from Inter was stalled by the same old liquidity index problems.

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It was resolved following a change of formula, so it is now a much more expensive loan for €5m and option to buy for a further €10m plus 50 per cent of the future sale fee.

The original version had an obligation to buy for €14m on top of the €1m loan.

“Davide is a player I already worked with. I think he can do well, because he has precise characteristics. I am a coach, not an accountant, so I can only hope he’ll arrive and then we’ll see,” added Gattuso.

“He is certainly a player who can give us a big hand.

There have also been reports that Lazio are trying to snap up free agent Icardi after his contract with Galatasaray expired.

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“Mauro is a hitman who made football history, but we are looking for a complete striker, someone who can press, run hard, as well as score goals. We don’t just want a hitman and that’s it, he needs to hold up the ball, attack the space,” noted the coach.

“Mantova are a very attacking side with a high press, so we mustn’t get the initial approach wrong,” continued Gattuso.

“We still need to understand when we want to stick to our positions and when to move, we’re not yet perfect with those movements. Sometimes you have to push, at others you need time to breathe.

“I don’t think about how long it will take before we see my style of football. We’ve got to speed things up and understand what we want to be. I don’t like being somewhere caught in the middle.

“I was still surprised by how quickly the lads managed to adapt. Some might say our friendly performances weren’t of a high level, but every match is difficult.”