Gennaro Gattuso has commented on the difficulties his players may face at their home stadium this season, attributing concerns to the ongoing protests from Lazio supporters. His remarks came following Lazio’s recent 1-0 victory over Bologna on Monday evening, a match that allowed him to express his best wishes to Roberto Mancini and the Italy national team after the game.

Gattuso began his Serie A campaign with Lazio successfully, thanks to a second-half goal from substitute Davide Frattesi at the Dall’Ara stadium. This victory followed his team’s disappointing exit in the Coppa Italia against Serie B opponents last weekend.

In an interview with DAZN after the match, Gattuso noted the lack of significant changes in the team since their previous game, stating, “I don’t think anything has changed compared to last week. We still have work to do, we still have a lot of things to improve. But, I thought the attitude out of possession was very, very good, we always did things properly.” He emphasized the need for mental strength, especially when playing in front of a reduced crowd at home.

Gattuso commented on the low attendance at the Stadio Olimpico due to ongoing protests, stating, “It’s not easy at all to play in a stadium like the Olimpico. Even with four or five thousand there, you start to make a few mistakes and you hear and feel it. You have to be strong mentally.” He expressed gratitude to the few supporters present who contributed to the atmosphere.

When asked about potential transfer moves as the deadline approaches, Gattuso focused on the current achievements, saying, “Honestly, it’s not even right to talk about the transfer market right now. Let’s enjoy this win, all the guys deserve it, they gave us everything and now let’s see what happens in the future.”

Roberto Mancini, who has taken over as head coach of the Italy national team from Gattuso, attended the match. Gattuso took a moment to acknowledge Mancini’s capabilities, sharing his respect without addressing him directly. “No, I feel like saying he’s a great coach, has great experience,” Gattuso remarked. “It’s a pain that will remain open as long as I live because it was such a deep wound.” He wished all the best to Mancini and the national team, recognizing the challenges ahead.

Gennaro Gattuso says that it will not be easy for his players to play at their home stadium this coming season due to ongoing supporter protests and has had his opportunity to send his best to Roberto Mancini and the Italy national team after Lazio’s 1-0 victory away against Bologna on Monday evening.

Gattuso, who was beaten by Serie B opposition in the first round of the Coppa Italia last weekend, got his Serie A career with Lazio off to a winning start thanks to a second-half strike from substitute Davide Frattesi away against Bologna at the Dall’Ara on Monday evening.

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Click here to see how the action unfolded on the Football Italia Liveblog.

Gattuso on Bologna 0-1 Lazio, Olimpico boycott and a check-in from Mancini

BOLOGNA, ITALY – AUGUST 24: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Lazio, interacts with Domenico Tedesco, Head Coach of Bologna FC 1909 before the Serie A match between Bologna FC and SS Lazio at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on August 24, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

Speaking to DAZN after full-time, Gattuso insisted that there wasn’t an awful lot of change in the week between the Coppa Italia loss against Mantova and their victory over Bologna.

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“I don’t think anything has changed compared to last week,” Gattuso said (via TMW). “We still have work to do, we still have a lot of things to improve. But, I thought the attitude out of possession was very, very good, we always did things properly.

“It’s a journey, we’ve had a lot of changes, we’re coming from a completely different style of football and that takes time. But it’s a pleasure to coach these guys, they’ve put their heads down and got to work.

“We’re well aware of the situation in front of us. We thank the 4,000 people who came to the stadium and made themselves heard today. It’s not easy to play at home. That’s not an excuse, I always say the same to the players, but we know it. We still have a path in front of us, we still need to grow and in my opinion we still have to improve on a few different aspects.”

BOLOGNA, ITALY – AUGUST 24: Davide Frattesi of Lazio celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the Serie A match between Bologna FC and SS Lazio at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on August 24, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

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Gattuso was pushed further on his comments about the expected difficulty of playing at home in front of a tiny crowd due to the ongoing supporter protests at the Stadio Olimpico.

“You know as well as I do that it’s not easy at all to play in a stadium like the Olimpico. Even with four or five thousand there, you start to make a few mistakes and you hear and feel it. You have to be strong mentally, we have to work on that as well.”

Gattuso was uninterested in discussions about potential transfer dealings in the final week of the window.

“Honestly, it’s not even right to talk about the transfer market right now. Let’s enjoy this win, all the guys deserve it, they gave us everything and now let’s see what happens in the future.”

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Among the spectators at the Dall’Ara was Roberto Mancini, who has replaced Gattuso as head coach of the Italy national team.

BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Italy during the National anthems prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

Gattuso was given an opportunity to send a message to Mancini, but declined to address him directly: “No, I feel like saying he’s a great coach, has great experience. I had 10 wonderful months (with the national team) and the guys I coached gave me everything.

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“It’s a pain that will remain open as long as I live because it was such a deep wound. We were knocked out (of World Cup qualifying) because of isolated incidents. We still created something positive and I wish them all the best. I wish them well because that’s what football in our country needs.

“Mancini is a great coach, he’s somebody who’s already won with the national team and I obviously wish him the best as well, from the bottom of my heart, without false pretences.”