Gattuso: Lazio ‘took a punch in the face’ with shock Coppa Italia elimination

ROME, ITALY - AUGUST 16: SS Lazio head coach Gennaro Gattuso reacts during the Coppa Italia match between SS Lazio and Mantova 1911 at Stadio Olimpico on August 16, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi - SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Gennaro Gattuso apologised to Lazio fans after suffering a 2-0 home loss to Serie B side Mantova, facing elimination from the Coppa Italia in the Round of 64: ‘We took a punch to the face,’ he said.

Lazio lost 2-0 to Mantova at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday and were eliminated from the Coppa Italia.

Lazio eliminated from Coppa Italia Round of 64

“We took a beating, and I’m putting my face on it. Now, heads down and get on with it,” Gattuso told Sportmediaset.

“There’s still a lot of work to do, and we have to move forward. We apologise. Just a few months ago, Lazio were in the final, and today we’ve been eliminated by a Serie B team.

“We had a few chances, but in the first half we only did things halfway; we weren’t aggressive,” Gattuso continued.

“There were chances, so some good things were done. We have to stay united and preserve our sense of belonging.

“Believe me, the players are working well, but in 40 days it’s difficult to absorb the ideas. Tonight we took a punch in the face, and we felt it. We know the fans aren’t happy; we hope to turn things around.”

Gattuso refused to answer a question about Lazio’s transfers. The Biancocelesti had confirmed the signing of Davide Frattesi just a few days before yesterday’s game, and he was introduced at minute 71 yesterday.

“I don’t want to talk about it [the transfer market],” Gattuso concluded.

“Because it would be too easy to focus on what this team is missing.”