Lazio Humiliation in Gattuso Debut

Gennaro Gattuso surely imagined his coaching debut at Lazio very differently!

In the first competitive match of the year, Lazio lost 0-2 at home against Serie B club AC Mantova. The start is particularly bitter, as Gattuso's team had reached the final of the cup competition last season. There they lost to Inter Milan, also 0-2.

A False Start to a New Beginning

In Lazio and Mantova's opening round match, fans witnessed a home team that appeared dominant in possession. Nevertheless, the game offered plenty of chances for both sides. Second-division side Mantova eventually took the lead through Ruocco (75th minute). The Romans' late offensive remained unrewarded, and Cajazzo was even able to score the 0-2 shortly before the final whistle (90.+6).

Former Salzburg player Peter Ratkov was substituted in for Lazio in the 71st minute.

Gattuso had been dismissed as coach in April after Italy's failure in World Cup qualification. A successful fresh start at Lazio is now postponed until the start of Serie A due to the cup exit. Lazio will play their first round match on August 24.