Gattuso Open to New-Look Midfield, Urges Lazio Winger to Improve His Mindset
Lazio manager Gennaro Gattuso doesn’t rule out trying a new solution in midfield after Saturday’s test against Mgarr United.
Gennaro Gattuso Discusses Lazio vs Mgarr United Friendly
The 48-year-old wanted his non-international players to remain active during the international break, so the Biancocelesti hosted the Matese second-division club at Formello for a Saturday morning friendly. The Serie A leaders predictably prevailed by three unanswered goals courtesy of Matteo Cancellieri, Diogo Leite, and Nicolo Rovella.
Lazio 3-0 Mgarr United: Aquile Make Short Work of Maltese Visitors
In his post-match interview with Lazio Style Channel (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Gattuso said he was grateful for avoiding additional injuries.
What did I take from this game? That nobody got injured (laughs). Joking aside, we are very satisfied. Formations matter little; mentality and the willingness to work hard on the pitch are what make the difference. Rovella and Cataldi needed some playing time, as did Doekhi and Gudmundsson.
Gattuso Open to Playing Rovella & Belahyane Together
The Calabrian coach tested a 4-2-3-1 formation, as Nicolo Rovella returned from injury to partner Danilo Cataldi. The manager was thus asked whether the former Juventus player could coexist with Reda Belahyane, who has been performing admirably as a Regista since the start of the season.
I think it is possible. Nicolo is dynamic, but he needs to regain his fitness and get more minutes under his belt. He has trained well and worked hard.
Five Injured Lazio Players Set for Medical Tests
Injuries at Lazio are beginning to pile up, as Davide Frattesi and Adam Marusic were sent back to Formello after picking up knocks while on international duty. They have thus joined Mattia Zaccagni, Nuno Tavares, and Josip Sutalo on the sidelines.
Gattuso provided the latest updates on the players, who will all undergo clinical tests in the coming days, while insisting the team will maintain the same principles on the pitch.
Nuno, Zac and Frattesi will undergo MRI scans on Monday. We have to wait to determine the extent of their injuries. That is why we are holding back on making any announcements. Zac is already doing some work on the pitch. As for Sutalo and Marusic, we will wait a few more days and issue a statement once we are certain about their diagnoses. Our principles remain the same, even though every player has different characteristics. We need intensity and desire, just as we showed today, despite it being a friendly. Other teams also have injured players, so we must not feel sorry for ourselves.
Gattuso Advises Matteo Cancellieri
Cancellieri did well to score the opener in Saturday’s friendly, but Gattuso believes the winger still has major room for improvement, especially from a mental perspective.
He needs to make a switch in his mindset. I spoke to him yesterday. He is young and has plenty of potential. He needs to improve in front of goal. We are working on that, and he can give much more.
Relationship With Davide Frattesi
The Lazio boss once again opened up on his special bond with Davide Frattesi, whom he urges to maximise his potential by making more daring runs towards the box.
I talk to him a lot, and we clash quite often. He can become one of the best attacking runners in the world. Whenever I won the ball back, I used to count the players around me, and for me, they were all goal posts. I knew I had teammates around me who were much better than me on the ball. He is fundamental, but the difference we are making comes from our runs in behind the defensive line. And he is not the only one doing that. He goes about his business under the radar, and it is no coincidence that he is scoring all these goals. We fight fiercely, but we love each other.
Gattuso Reveals His Lazio Dreams
Finally, Gattuso explained why he swiftly became enamoured with Lazio, as he hopes to one day celebrate with the fans at the Stadio Olimpico, even though he respects the decision of those who continue to boycott the home fixtures.
I cannot pretend to be someone I am not. From the very first day, I understood where I was coming to. I knew it would not take me long to grow attached to the people here, the supporters and the club. Lazio’s history is incredible. There are people who are crazy about Lazio, and that is something that stays with you. My dream is to see my team playing in front of a packed stadium and celebrating beneath the Curva. Football without supporters is not football. It is something entirely different. Our supporters have remained consistent in their stance, and they are unlikely to return anytime soon, but we must honour the shirt. Hope is the last thing to die.
