Lazio boss Gattuso grateful for second chance
Gennaro Gattuso is grateful to Lazio for giving him the chance to rebuild his coaching reputation after failing to lead Italy to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the Biancocelesti flying high in Serie A.
Going into matchday 10, Lazio is only behind Scudetto holder Inter Milan on goal difference at the top of the table, having amassed 25 points already with eight wins and a draw.
Lazio's success at the start of 2026-2027 is a far cry from the miserable stint Gattuso endured in charge of the national side, with the Azzurri losing to Bosnia-Herzegovina in a FIFA World Cup qualification play-off in March.
Asked how he looked back on his time in charge of Italy, Gattuso said: "Football is made up of incidents, and they went against us that day, but the great thing about this sport is it gives you another opportunity.
"The important thing is to learn and improve, not get down. I am fortunate to have support from friends and family, including a wife of 30 years, she was always there during my toughest moments."
Despite Lazio's tremendous start to the campaign, Gattuso is refusing to get carried away.
"Our target is 40 points. I am not used to seeing the table like this, but we have a road ahead of us and we need to be prepared," he said.
"What I can say is that if we play with enthusiasm, it's better. There are 29 games to go, a lot of points up for grabs, then we'll see where we end up."
The Biancocelesti's visitor on Monday (AEDT), Cagliari, is 10th on the table with 13 points, having played another game at Stadio Olimpico earlier this week.
It was beaten 4-2 by Roma last week, having gone 1-0 up and later pegged the Giallorossi back to 2-2, only to concede late goals to Rodrigo Mora and Donyell Malen.
