# Gattuso's Lazio Era Starts with Italian Cup Defeat

*Gennaro Gattuso's tenure as Lazio coach started with a 2-0 home defeat by second-tier Mantova in the Italian Cup, marking a challenging beginning for the new manager.*

August 17, 2026 · Sports

Gennaro Gattuso's reign as Lazio coach got off to a disappointing start as the team suffered a 2-0 home defeat by second-tier Mantova in the Italian Cup. This result marks an inauspicious beginning for the 48-year-old, who took charge of Lazio in July after leaving his post as Italy coach following the national team's failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.

## Gattuso's Coaching Journey

Gattuso, a 2006 World Cup winner, has had a storied career as a player, notably winning two Serie A titles and two Champions League trophies with AC Milan between 1999 and 2012. However, his coaching career has yet to reach similar heights. After managing Fiorentina, Valencia, Napoli, and Marseille, Gattuso now faces the challenge of reviving Lazio's fortunes.

## Lazio's Recent Struggles

Lazio, seven-time Italian Cup winners, were the only one of the 12 Serie A clubs competing in the last 64 of the tournament to be knocked out. This early exit is particularly painful given that Lazio lost last season's final to Inter Milan in May. The team's performance under Gattuso will be closely watched as they aim to bounce back from this setback.

The defeat by Mantova underscores the challenges Gattuso faces in stabilizing and improving Lazio's performance. As a club with a rich history in Italian football, Lazio's fans and management will be looking for quick results to justify the new coach's appointment. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Gattuso can turn around the team's fortunes.

This early test in the Italian Cup provides an insight into the work ahead for Gattuso. His ability to motivate and strategize will be key as Lazio looks to regain its competitive edge in both domestic and European competitions. The coming matches will offer a clearer picture of Gattuso's impact on the team.

For now, the focus remains on how Gattuso will respond to this initial setback. His experience and tactical nous will be vital in navigating Lazio through this challenging period. The support of the fans and the backing of the club's management will be essential as Gattuso seeks to establish his coaching philosophy and build a cohesive team.

## Sources

- BSS

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Source: https://pulsetoday.com.bd/en/sports/gattuso-lazio-italian-cup-exit