Gattuso Insists His Team Deserved a Red Card, Hails Lazio Midfielder

Lazio manager Gennaro Gattuso felt his team should have been reduced to 10 men in their pre-season friendly against Flaminia.

After beating Lazio U20 on Monday, the Biancocelesti hosted the Serie D club for their second friendly in the summer on Sunday. The contest took place at the training ground in Formello behind closed doors. Gattuso’s men made short work of their neighbors, scoring three goals in each half to beat them by six unanswered goals.

Although it was only a preparation match before the start of the season, the contest witnessed some heated moments. For instance, Mattia Zaccagni was on the receiving end of several harsh fouls from Flaminia midfielder Justo D’Angelo, drawing an angry reaction from Luca Pellegrini.

Therefore, Gattuso believes his men only escaped without a red card thanks to the referee’s lenient approach due to the ‘friendly’ nature of the fixture. The 48-year-old revealed as much in his post-match interview with the club’s official channel (via La Lazio Siamo Noi).

The important thing is to show respect. We would definitely have ended up with 10 men, so we have to be careful because you can’t react like that. I know we’re a bit fatigued because we’re working very hard, but we also need to improve in that aspect. If this had been a league match, we would have deserved to go down to 10 men.

The important thing is to show respect. We would definitely have ended up with 10 men, so we have to be careful because you can’t react like that. I know we’re a bit fatigued because we’re working very hard, but we also need to improve in that aspect. If this had been a league match, we would have deserved to go down to 10 men.

Gattuso has been satisfied with what he has seen so far from his players, urging all players to try and contribute with goals.

We’re working well and it’s a pleasure. I’m repeating the same things I said five days ago: this is a team that works well and enjoys being together. We’re putting in a lot of work. I’m happy and satisfied with what I’m seeing. We’re still missing something and we know it. Hopefully we’ll be able to complete the squad. Hats off to these lads for their commitment.

We’re working well and it’s a pleasure. I’m repeating the same things I said five days ago: this is a team that works well and enjoys being together. We’re putting in a lot of work. I’m happy and satisfied with what I’m seeing. We’re still missing something and we know it. Hopefully we’ll be able to complete the squad. Hats off to these lads for their commitment.

I’m pleased, but the goals can’t only come from the two strikers. With the way we want to play, the wide forwards also need to be in positions to score. It’s important to create chances and take them. The thing that matters most to me is occupying the pitch well and playing with courage.

I’m pleased, but the goals can’t only come from the two strikers. With the way we want to play, the wide forwards also need to be in positions to score. It’s important to create chances and take them. The thing that matters most to me is occupying the pitch well and playing with courage.

The Lazio manager reserved special praise for Nicolo Rovella, who was arguably the best player on the pitch. The Regista ran the show and scored the best goal of the contest with a long-range screamer, his first in the Biancocelesti colors.

I gave him a little pat on the cheek. A player with his quality—how is it possible that it’s his first goal? If we can defend well in transition and occupy the pitch properly, he’ll find himself in those positions more often. Hopefully he’ll score again.

I gave him a little pat on the cheek. A player with his quality—how is it possible that it’s his first goal? If we can defend well in transition and occupy the pitch properly, he’ll find himself in those positions more often. Hopefully he’ll score again.

Finally, Gattuso reassured that his players escaped without sustaining any new injuries, as Nuno Tavares is the only one to pick up a knock in pre-season.

Thank God, we got through this afternoon as well. We’ve only got a few minor issues apart from Tavares, whose knee is bothering him a bit. From a muscular point of view we haven’t lost anyone. They’re only minor strains, which can happen. We’re managing them well and I’m happy. My wife arrived today, so I’ll get to spend a day and a half with her.

Thank God, we got through this afternoon as well. We’ve only got a few minor issues apart from Tavares, whose knee is bothering him a bit. From a muscular point of view we haven’t lost anyone. They’re only minor strains, which can happen. We’re managing them well and I’m happy. My wife arrived today, so I’ll get to spend a day and a half with her.