“No Money” – Gattuso Gives Lazio Reality Check, Confirms Ratkov Exit

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The Laziali

·31 August 2026

“No Money” – Gattuso Gives Lazio Reality Check, Confirms Ratkov Exit

Lazio manager Gennaro Gattuso confirmed the club is struggling to raise funds to make new signings late in the summer.

Lazio Beat Genoa 1-0 at the Stadio Olimpico

On Sunday, the 48-year-old led the team to its second straight Serie A win, thus maintaining a perfect league record. Davide Frattesi was once again the author of the solitary goal of the match, which was enough to see off Genoa at the Stadio Olimpico.

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Gattuso Pleased With Improved Collective

In his post-match press conference (via Il Messaggero), Gattuso noted improvement in the collective, with the team now pressing as a unit, but urged his players to improve their decision making in crucial instances.

The team’s conviction. We pressed systematically and intelligently. Frattesi was limping during the final 10 minutes, but we are maintaining consistency with our pressing. We have to make better decisions in open play. We have the quality to do better, but we played with great intensity and with an effective ultra-offensive press. The lads are fully focused, and that is fundamental for me. Sarri was a master of the 4-3-3; this year we are trying to do different things. It takes a bit of time. We always play with an open pitch. Even the type of training sessions is completely different. I thank the lads for their commitment. On September 13, we will have been working together for only two months.

Gattuso Confirms Petar Ratkov is Leaving Lazio

With less than 48 hours remaining before the transfer deadline, the Mercato remains the hottest topic. However, Gattuso insists he isn’t anticipating any other reinforcements, but is only hoping that the hierarchy maintains the current players, except for Petar Ratkov whose departure was confirmed earlier in the day (presumably to Levante).

I don’t expect anything. I just hope the players I currently have at my disposal remain here. I don’t know what will happen. This morning I didn’t even want to speak to the people responsible because I wanted to focus on the game. I found out at 12:30 that Ratkov had found a new club. I didn’t want to hear from anyone. I hope they all stay. That’s all.

Done Deal: Lazio Striker Ratkov Set to Join LaLiga Club – Figures Revealed

Lazio Ran Out of Cash?

The Calabrian coach then suggested that Lazio have ran out out resources to make new signings (the club has been restricted to a net-zero transfer market).

And what am I supposed to do? I’m neither the president nor the accountant. If there’s no money, what are we supposed to do? I can’t kidnap players. My lads are giving their lives on the pitch. I hope they all stay.

Updates on Nicolo Rovella & Lazio’s Other Injured Players

Gattuso then offered updates on his injured players, with Nicolo Rovella now added to the list after picking up what appears to be a muscle problem late in the first half against Genoa.

As for the injured players, Rovella will rest tomorrow and undergo an MRI scan on Tuesday. We’ll see whether it’s a tendon or calf problem. Cataldi stopped because he was experiencing some discomfort. He needs a bit of time, but hopefully we can have him back in the group within a week. Dele-Bashiru’s injury is less serious than Marusic’s, who has a more significant lesion. Pellegrini will return to the pitch in five or six days. Patric has had calf problems and will undergo tests tomorrow. Gigot is out of action.

Gattuso Reveals Reda Belahyane’s Early Summer Struggles

Following Rovella’s exit, Reda Belahyane came in to fill in the Regista role. The 22-year-old had a solid display, and Gattuso believes he still has large room for improvement.

In the first week, he couldn’t finish a training session. He was struggling, so he knuckled down. He worked hard and made sure he was ready, but he also knows how to make tackles. If you look at him, you wouldn’t give him a penny, but instead he became a protagonist and deserved this opportunity.

Player Ratings: Lazio 1-0 Genoa – Frattesi Decisive Once Again

Gattuso Backs Christos Mandas

The former Italy coach also defended Christos Mandas who misplaced a few passes, but remains crucial for Lazio in the buildup phase.

Mandas touches the ball between 60 and 70 times, so it’s normal. We can’t only look at the mistakes. Obviously, I would like him to make fewer of them. If he makes a mistake, the responsibility is mine. In the first half, he made two poor decisions, but he also gives us many advantages, both with his saves and in build-up play. Thanks to his ability to play out from the back, we are often able to create a numerical advantage.

Gattuso Opens up on Alfonso Pedraza Dressing-Down

At the final whistle, Gattuso was seen scolding Alfonso Pedraza, who looked puzzled during his cameo and wasted possession on a few occasions.

I gave him a dressing-down, but it’s a matter for the pitch and it’s right that it stays between him and me. That’s how I am: I call a spade a spade. You’ll get to know me. We made a careless mistake when playing out and we should have done better in that situation.

Nuno Tavares Good Enough for Real Madrid?

Gattuso also reserved praise for Nuno Tavares, who was voted as the MVP of the match after creating the winner. The manager argues that the Portuguese’s best version would be worthy of an elite club like Real Madrid.

Nuno Tavares is a player with a great engine, I’m certainly not the one who discovered that. He has qualities that could allow him to play for Real Madrid, but Floriani Mussolini is also trying to learn and has been coming onto the pitch very well.