Frattesi: 'This is how I am at my best, I came to Lazio because of Gattuso'
Quick summary
Italian midfielder Davide Frattesi explains he joined Lazio because of new manager Gennaro Gattuso and describes the conditions in which he performs at his best.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceDavide Frattesi says that his performance away against Bologna is the level he expects of himself when he plays regularly, and says that Gennaro Gattuso is the main reason why he decided to join Lazio from Inter earlier this summer.
Frattesi took just four minutes after coming off the bench in the second half to send Lazio on their way to a 1-0 victory away against Bologna on Monday evening in the first round of 2026-27 Serie A fixtures.
It was an excellent flick from Boulaye Dia that sent Frattesi through on goal and the Italy international made no mistake with his finish on the corner of the six-yard box.
You can see how the action unfolded on the Football Italia Liveblog.
Frattesi reacts after match-winning performance in Bologna 0-1 Lazio 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) Speaking in a post-match interview with DAZN after full-time, Frattesi explained why he does not feel quite ready to step into the Lazio starting XI, despite arguably being the biggest attraction in the Lazio squad, let alone the midfield.
“I came on a bit later because I’m not quite there yet given that I’ve missed a bit of pre-season,” Frattesi said (via TMW ).
“I’m not 100% yet but I’ve already played 90 minutes of football (across two appearances). I always knew it was inside me. This is how I am when I’m doing well. So, my goal is to get to 100% in terms of condition and maintain that.”
Frattesi says that the relationship that he created with former Italy national team head coach Gattuso is the main reason behind his decision to join Lazio this summer, despite interest from the Premier League.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – AUGUST 24: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Lazio, looks on 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) “I came here because of him, because in the national team, even if I didn’t play too much, I got to know him really well as a person.
“I also feel like an ‘old-school’ player, even if I’m not too old. But for me, relationships and good people count for a lot and he’s a proper man. There aren’t too many in football, so if I can lend a hand to a proper good person, I will do it.”
Lazio were backed by a sold-out away end at the Dall’Ara on Monday evening, but the Biancocelesti fans are still protesting against club owner Claudio Lotito and the team are set to play their home matches in a practically empty Stadio Olimpico this season.
Asked whether he would like to comment on the situation, Frattesi said: “19 games is better than none as far as I’m concerned. It’s fine at the end of the day.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – AUGUST 24: Davide Frattesi of Lazio celebrates scoring his team’s first goal 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) “As for what happens next, it’s not up to me to say. I can only try to help take this team and these guys as far as possible, then we’ll see what happens.”
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What happened
Davide Frattesi has spoken publicly about his decision to join Lazio, crediting new head coach Gennaro Gattuso as the key factor behind the move. The Italian international discussed his preferred role and what allows him to produce his best football, framing Gattuso's project at Lazio as central to his choice. The comments come as Frattesi looks to revitalise his career in Rome following a difficult spell at Inter, where game time was limited. His arrival represents a boost for Gattuso's midfield options and signals the coach's pull in the transfer market ahead of the new season.
Chance analysis
Frattesi's decision to publicly tie his Lazio move to Gattuso is a significant endorsement of the new coach's project in Rome. For a player who struggled for minutes at Inter, the chance to be a focal point under a manager he clearly admires represents a reset. Gattuso now has an Italy international in his midfield with both energy and a point to prove, which should lift the competitive level in Lazio's engine room. How Frattesi is deployed — and whether the trust translates into consistent starts — will be one of the subplots to watch in the opening weeks of the campaign.
Frattesi's arrival strengthens Lazio's midfield depth and signals strong dressing-room buy-in for Gattuso's project, while reducing his immediate relevance to Inter's first-team plans.