Gattuso Dreams of Packed Olimpico, Explains Why Lazio Miss Boulaye Dia | OneFootball

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The national team was a great experience for me, even though we didn’t make the World Cup because of things that are part of football. As I’ve always said over the past few months, after that bitter elimination, all I can do is thank the players who gave me everything and the people who were close to me. It’s normal that it hurts, that it burns, and it will do so for the rest of my life.

Now there’s Lazio, which is a great club. I knew very well about the difficulties around the club and all the other difficulties. I came here with a great desire and a real sense of belonging, both me and my staff. I feel comfortable here and we have to keep going. There are so many people who love this club, I can feel it firsthand. Right from the start, I talked about putting on the helmet and giving everything. We have to keep going down this road. It’s a source of pride to be here.

Nothing changed after the defeat to Mantova. It’s a process. They asked me how far this Lazio can go, but I’ve always said it’s not about how far we can go, but about creating a positive environment at Formello and a mentality, knowing where we want to go. It’s not important where we end up, but the mentality. The Mantova game is part of the process. Obviously, it hurts and it burns, especially going out in the first round like that. We still have our strengths and our weaknesses, and maybe we always will. But we need to create a mentality, and that doesn’t just come from the work you do on the pitch. It also comes from believing in what you’re doing.

We’ve changed a lot. Last year, there was a maestro like Sarri, who did certain things. In a short space of time, we tried to take everything apart, not because it wasn’t working, but because my idea is to play more aggressive and physical football. We paid dearly for that Coppa Italia game, but we’re on the right road. We know it’s going to be a difficult championship for us, but the objective is definitely to give the team a clear identity.

In attack, we have to improve in the final 20-25 metres. The numbers tell us that, and you could see it in the first few games. We have the possibility and the ability to improve. All the players involved in the attacking phase have to be good. Gudmundsson has arrived, while Dia has left. He was very good at linking the play and gave us a hand both offensively and defensively. Gud will be one of the other players I have available. He can play as a false nine, out wide… We’ll have to get inside his head and understand where he can be useful to us.

As for the transfer market, we have to thank the club. On my own, I can do little and I understand very little about things financially. I can only talk to the players. I’m happy. I knew about the difficulties we had. We also have to congratulate the lads, the people who chose us and those who wanted to come here at all costs. I like the willingness of the players. Everyone who came did so with great desire; they accepted the problems we have. I played football myself, and when you go to the Olimpico without fans, it’s not easy. Thanks to everyone for coming and accepting this project.

I used to speak to Frattesi a lot. I even called him up when he wasn’t playing regularly. When he’s in good shape, he’s got lively legs. He always arrives under the radar, and he’s always scored important goals. He’s a good lad. Last year, I always told him that, at his age, he had to take responsibility, and I convinced him by bringing him with me. Now he’s a protagonist. He was in his comfort zone and then something clicked. It’s right that he made a choice like that. I’m happy to coach him. He’s an intelligent lad who wants to learn.

The formation is only worth so much; it’s just a number. What makes the difference is how you interpret it, how you want to occupy the pitch, when you want to be aggressive and take risks, and so on. Since I started doing this job, and even when I was a player, the formation hasn’t been important. What matters is the spirit and the mentality, how you want people to recognise you on the pitch.

Seeing the Olimpico full is a dream of mine. It’s surreal walking onto the pitch; it feels like going back to the height of COVID. I lived through that when I was at Napoli. The stadium is beautiful, and seeing it completely empty… it’s not easy. That’s my dream. Not just for the derby, but to see it full. I’ve coached and played there many times, so I know what kind of atmosphere there is. But we have to respect the decision. Football without fans isn’t football. I hope that one day all of this will end and I’ll be able to experience it firsthand, because that would mean I’m still here. The fans are consistent people. They decided to do this, and I don’t want to get into the details. They’re people who are sticking to their line, and all we can do is work, try to get as many results as possible and hope that all of this can be sorted out.

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