Italian Serie A side Lazio have officially named former Italy international and coach Gennaro Gattuso as the club’s new head coach.
The announcement was made on Tuesday through an official statement published on the club’s website.
“S.S. Lazio S.p.A. announces the appointment of Mr. Gennaro Gattuso as Head Coach of the First Team. The Club extends a warm welcome to its new manager and believes that his experience, professionalism and determination will help achieve its sporting ambitions,” the statement read.
Gattuso’s appointment signals a new era for the Rome-based club following the conclusion of Maurizio Sarri’s tenure.
The 48-year-old arrives with extensive managerial experience gained at clubs such as AC Milan and Napoli, as well as a recent spell in charge of the Italian national team. His time with the Azzurri ended after Italy failed to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A former World Cup-winning midfielder with Italy, Gattuso is renowned for his disciplined, energetic and combative approach both as a player and as a coach.
Reports indicate that he is expected to sign a contract that could keep him at the club for up to two years as Lazio seek to regain stability and competitiveness after missing out on qualification for European competitions in recent seasons.
The announcement generated mixed reactions among Lazio supporters on the club’s official X platform.
While some fans welcomed the decision, others expressed concerns about the club’s direction and ambitions. One supporter, identified as #MatteoM96973, sarcastically suggested that Gattuso’s qualities would be suitable if the club’s target was avoiding relegation. Another fan, #sampaolo71, criticised the move and renewed calls for club president Claudio Lotito to step aside.
Questions were also raised about Lazio’s objectives for the coming season, with some supporters wondering whether the team would be competing merely to remain in Serie A rather than challenge for higher honours.
Despite the scepticism from sections of the fan base, Gattuso boasts notable achievements, including leading Napoli to victory in the Coppa Italia. Club officials believe his intense work ethic, strong personality and demanding style could help address the inconsistency that has affected Lazio in recent years.
The appointment comes at a time when the club is attempting to rebuild amid financial limitations and growing frustration among supporters, issues that also characterised the latter stages of Sarri’s reign.
Gattuso is not entirely unfamiliar with the club’s environment, having previously visited Lazio’s training facilities during his time as Italy’s national team coach.
For Nigerian midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, the arrival of Gattuso presents a fresh opportunity and challenge as he seeks to establish himself in midfield under a manager known for demanding high levels of fitness, commitment and intensity from his players.
Gattuso is expected to begin preparations for the new campaign immediately, with the club hoping his leadership and determination can guide Lazio back into contention for European football under the stewardship of president Claudio Lotito.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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