OFFICIAL: Gattuso takes over Lazio with promise to turn the page on Sarri
The 48-year-old former midfielder arrives to lead the reconstruction of the Roman project with an iron fist and experience in national cups.
The 48-year-old former midfielder arrives to lead the reconstruction of the Roman project with an iron fist and experience in national cups.
Gennaro Gattuso is Lazio's new coach. The Roman club officially announced the signing of the 48-year-old Italian to replace Maurizio Sarri, who left the position after internal disagreements and results below expectations. Lazio justified the choice due to Gattuso's 'experience and determination', who arrives with the mission of stabilizing the sporting project and returning the club to the top of Italian and European football.
The coach returns to Serie A after spells at Valencia, Marseille and Hajduk Split, where he accumulated experience in high-level leagues. In 2024, Gattuso led Napoli to a surprising Serie A campaign, finishing in 4th place, which reinforced his credibility to manage another elite club. Gattuso aims to replicate the success he enjoyed at Napoli, where he won the Coppa Italia in 2020.
His intense and pragmatic style will be tested in a squad in need of tactical and mental reorganization. The pressure for quick results is high, especially after the departure of Sarri, who left the club in July 2024. The Italian has worked with elite players and knows how to deal with competitive environments, but Lazio faces an additional challenge: the fierce competition in Serie A, where Inter, Milan and Juventus maintain extremely competitive teams.
The change of command signals a new identity for Lazio. If Sarri favored patient possession, Gattuso bets on vertical transitions and pressure on the opponent's ball, hallmarks of his aggressive 4-3-3. The new coach will have to reorganize a squad that ended last season with just 12 wins in 38 games, indicating tactical instability that can be corrected with his direct approach and intense demands on the players.
If they manage to impose this dynamic, Lazio could become a tougher opponent for the Serie A giants. His arrival is seen as a bet on a coaching profile that can bring more defensive solidity and intensity in transitions, characteristics that Lazio seeks to reaffirm itself in Serie A and Europe. Gattuso also has a history of extracting maximum performances from players considered problematic, as he demonstrated with midfielder Fabián Ruiz at Napoli, transforming him into a key player in winning the Italian Cup.
"Gattuso is a proven winner, both as a player and as a coach. We are confident that he can lead the Lazio project with the determination that the club deserves," declared a club official, who preferred not to be named. What to expect now: Gattuso should present his coaching staff in the next few days and start work with the main team.
Lazio remains in the transfer market, but the immediate priority is to consolidate the Italian's technical project, who already has experience in dealing with pressure at large clubs. The pressure on Gattuso is enormous. The Roman board, which bet on its experience after Sarri's departure, expects immediate results to justify the change of command.
The fans, eager to see the club back at the top, project on the new coach the hope of a competitive team both in Serie A and in Europe. Gattuso, who has already shown the ability to deal with high-pressure environments at Napoli and Marseille, will have to manage a dressing room full of talent but which has yet to find consistency. Adapting to your methods can define the success or failure of the season.
"He is not a coach with complex theories. Gattuso works with what he has and demands an immediate response. This could be a shock for players accustomed to Sarri's more philosophical style", analyzed an observer of Italian football, who has followed the coach's career.
What to expect now: Gattuso should present his coaching staff in the next few days and start work with the main team. Lazio remains in the transfer market, but the immediate priority is to consolidate the Italian's technical project, who already has experience in dealing with pressure at large clubs. Read at Maisfutebol
Gattuso's arrival represents a tactical and cultural turning point in Roman football. The club seeks to find its way again after the Sarri era, betting on the Italian's intense and winning profile to return Lazio to the top of Italian and European football. The pressure is high: maintain the pace in Serie A and regain competitiveness in Europe. Gattuso arrives with the mission of reversing the team's irregularities, which ended last season with just 12 wins in 38 games, and of imposing a more direct and aggressive playing identity, in contrast to Sarri's positional style.
Maisfutebolmaisfutebol.iol.pt23 Jun, 13:29
The journalist replies to the new FIGC president: Juve built the Stadium, the other clubs have been trying for 20 years but are stuck. The issue is systemic.
Tough decisions loom as the club's top brass convene to discuss the Argentine's role.
The Lazio goalkeeper's agent was spotted at Appiano Gentile: concrete talks for the Nerazzurri number one.
Genaro Gattuso eyes prolific forward Santiago Gimenez, aiming to replicate Hirving Lozano's success.
Separated by just two games, Philadelphia and Washington open a mid-week series with major implications for the divisional race.
A blockbuster trade report has Boston risking its All-Star forward in a monumental bid to pair Giannis with Jayson Tatum, a move that could redefine the NBA.
The 2026 champion at Shinnecock Hills defiantly owns his major victory, challenging the narrative that it was merely a gift from a rival's collapse.
The potential addition of the superstar power forward to the reigning champions is seen as an unfair consolidation of talent and toughness.
In a landmark move, the Missouri Valley Conference will unify its men's and women's basketball tournaments under one roof in St. Louis starting in 2027.
The rowdy, colorful supporters have descended, turning subway cars and Times Square into a mobile block party of chants and flags ahead of their team's match.
The journalist replies to the new FIGC president: Juve built the Stadium, the other clubs have been trying for 20 years but are stuck. The issue is systemic.
Tough decisions loom as the club's top brass convene to discuss the Argentine's role.
The Lazio goalkeeper's agent was spotted at Appiano Gentile: concrete talks for the Nerazzurri number one.
Genaro Gattuso eyes prolific forward Santiago Gimenez, aiming to replicate Hirving Lozano's success.
BBC Sport's complete live coverage of Brazil vs Morocco in World Cup 2026 Group C – stream, scores, stats, and commentary.
Fabian Hurzeler commits to Brighton for an extended period.
Diplomatic tensions rise as immigration rules clash with tournament logistics and officiating standards.
Villa’s manager slams Liverpool deal after the midfielder’s scarce appearances.
The Brazilian national team will advance to the finals if they draw or better against Scotland. A loss carries the risk of dropping to third place.
The final round of FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C will kick off on June 25th at 7pm Japan time. We analyze the expected starting lineups and formations of Scotland and Brazil, and explain the factors that will affect the Japan national team's opponent in the first round of the final tournament.
In the second round of Group L of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Ghana held off favorites England 0-0, achieving the feat of not conceding a goal in two consecutive games. They took a historic step toward advancing to the final T for the first time in four tournaments as an African team.
A thorough explanation of the complicated procedures based on FIFA regulations when the points are tied. We will explain the conditions for advancing to the final tournament in an easy-to-understand way, using specific examples from the Netherlands and Japan.
Alistair Johnston shares his emotional journey as Canada co-hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting the pride of playing at home.
FC Nantes welcomes back Michel Der Zakarian as head coach, aiming to revive their fortunes in Ligue 1.
A muscle bundle tear sidelines rising star Lennart Karl, prompting Bayern to reassess their strategy ahead of a crucial period.
La Roja's attacking duo set to ignite the tournament with fresh legs and electric pace.
