Gennaro Gattuso has been appointed as the new manager of Lazio, the club confirmed through reports in the Italian media on Tuesday. The move comes after the departure of Maurizio Sarri, with whom the club experienced a downturn in form towards the end of the Serie A season.
Former AC Milan midfielder Gattuso arrives at the Stadio Olimpico with a reputation for being a demanding and charismatic coach. He most recently managed Valencia, leaving the Spanish club in January 2023, and has also held managerial positions at Napoli and Fiorentina. His appointment represents a shift in tactical approach for Lazio, with Gattuso favouring a more direct and energetic style of play compared to Sarri’s possession-based system.
Giancarlo Oddi, a former Lazio player, spoke to Radiosei, stating that the club needs players with character and that he hopes the ownership will strengthen the squad during the transfer window. Oddi believes a strong squad is essential for success, referencing the recent struggles of the team as evidence of this. He also noted the fractured relationship between Sarri and the club’s president, Claudio Lotito, as a contributing factor to the managerial change.
Lazio finished seventh in Serie A last season, missing out on European qualification. The club will be hoping Gattuso can revitalise the team and restore a sense of optimism among the supporters. Oddi emphasized the importance of attracting fans back to the stadium, suggesting that fan support is crucial for the club’s future success. The appointment of Gattuso is expected to signal a period of significant change at Lazio, both on and off the pitch.
The club has yet to announce specific contract details for Gattuso, but it is anticipated he will be tasked with rebuilding the squad and implementing a new playing style ahead of the upcoming season. The focus will now turn to identifying transfer targets who fit Gattuso’s profile and can address the team’s weaknesses.
