Gattuso Takes Charge At Lazio Amid Fan Backlash

Former Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso has been appointed head coach of Lazio, with the Serie A club confirming his arrival earlier today, June 23, as it begins a new chapter following the departure of Maurizio Sarri.

In a statement, Lazio said: “S.S. Lazio S.p.A. announces that it has appointed Mr. Gennaro Gattuso as Head Coach of the First Team. The Club warmly welcomes its new manager and is confident that his experience, professionalism, and determination will contribute to achieving the Club’s sporting objectives”.

The 48-year-old arrives in Rome with a reputation built on intensity, discipline and a fiercely competitive approach that defined both his playing and coaching careers. A World Cup winner with Italy, Gattuso has previously managed clubs including AC Milan and Napoli, winning the Coppa Italia during his time in Naples.

His appointment comes after a disappointing spell with the Italian national team, which ended when the Azzurri failed to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Lazio are expected to hand Gattuso a deal running for up to two years as they attempt to recover from a frustrating campaign that ended without European football.

However, the announcement was met with an immediate backlash from sections of the club’s support.

Reacting on Lazio’s official 𝕏 account, user #MatteoM96973 posted: “In the conviction that his experience, professionalism and determination can contribute to the achievement of the club’s sporting objectives. FOR SERIE B IT’S FINE.”

Another supporter, #sampaolo71, wrote: “But wasn’t he supposed to leave Italy, #LotitoOut #Lotitovattene #GattusoOut.”

Questions were also raised about the club’s ambitions. User #CristianoC9636 asked: “But what would the club’s sporting objectives be? The fight for survival?” while #Trattoria_Lazio simply posted: “WHICH OBJECTIVES?”

Despite the criticism, Lazio president Claudio Lotito is backing Gattuso to steady the club during a period marked by financial limitations and growing supporter unrest.

The appointment could also prove significant for Nigeria midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who now faces the challenge of impressing a coach renowned for demanding relentless work rate and physical commitment from his players.