Gattuso compares facing Udinese to 'going to the dentist' ahead of Lazio clash
Quick summary
Lazio manager Gennaro Gattuso described playing against Udinese as unpleasant as a dentist visit, highlighting the difficulty of the upcoming Serie A fixture.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceGennaro Gattuso has likened facing Udinese to “going to the dentist” as Lazio prepare to take on Kosta Runjaic’s side in Serie A.
The Biancocelesti coach spoke to Sky Sport shortly before kick-off, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb , acknowledging the difficulty of the fixture while praising the standard of refereeing in the early stages of the season.
“The level is always high. Compliments to the referees for the way they are officiating the matches and the direction things are going,” Gattuso said.
“This is important for our football, which is becoming more beautiful. Today we have a difficult game against a team led by the dentist, Runjaic, who is annoying to play against. Hopefully we can put in a good performance.”
ROME, ITALY – AUGUST 16: SS Lazio head coach Gennaro Gattuso reacts during the Coppa Italia match between SS Lazio and Mantova 1911 at Stadio Olimpico on August 16, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images) Gattuso demands courage from Lazio Asked what he wants to see from his players, Gattuso stressed the importance of taking control rather than simply reacting to whatever happens during the match.
“We must not suffer the events; that has to be our strength,” he explained.
“It is normal to suffer a little against a team like Udinese, but courage must not be lacking.”
Official: Lazio sign Andrea Pinamonti from Sassuolo (via www.sslazio.it) Gattuso was also asked what he expects from new signing Andrea Pinamonti beyond simply scoring goals, making clear that the collective remains more important to him than individual statistics.
“For me, goals are not important, the collective is,” he said. “I would not trade that for 15 goals.
“At the moment, we are continuing along the path of the group, of playing openly against everyone. I expect that.
“I think those who came here did not come for me, but for themselves. We have to thank the club, think about working, do well and improve from game to game.”
Lazio enter the fixture looking to maintain their perfect start to the Serie A season, having won their opening two Serie A matches under Gattuso.
Source attribution: this article content is based on the linked publisher feed/source. Chance adds independent soccer context, impact analysis, entity links, and related news.
What happened
Lazio head coach Gennaro Gattuso used colorful language to describe his side's upcoming Serie A match against Udinese, likening the challenge to a visit to the dentist. The remark underscores the respect Gattuso has for Udinese despite their league position, and signals that Lazio are bracing for a tough test. It comes as part of pre-match press conference comments ahead of the fixture.
Chance analysis
Gattuso's remarks are the kind of pre-match framing that managers deploy to manage expectations and keep players focused. By publicly elevating Udinese as a dangerous opponent, the Lazio boss is shielding his squad from complacency — a familiar tactical tool for an experienced coach. For followers of Serie A, it is a reminder that Udinese remain a stubborn, well-organized side capable of troubling even the division's bigger names.
Lazio approach the Udinese fixture with heightened focus, potentially making them more disciplined but possibly more conservative tactically.