Gattuso: ‘Frattesi can become one of the best in the world at attacking the box’
ROME, ITALY - OCTOBER 24: Davide Frattesi of SS Lazio compete for the ball with Mariano Troilo of Parma Calcio during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Parma Calcio at Stadio Olimpico on October 24, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi - SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Gennaro Gattuso believes Davide Frattesi can become one of the best midfielders in the world at getting into the box, as Lazio prepare for scans on several key players.
According to Lalaziosiamonoi, via CalcioMercato, the Lazio coach spoke after a 3-0 friendly win over Maltese side Mgarr United during the international break. Matteo Cancellieri, Diogo Leite and Nicolò Rovella scored, and Albert Gudmundsson made his return from injury.
Gattuso also gave an update on his injured players.
“Nuno Tavares, Zaccagni and Frattesi will have scans on Monday, and we’ll have to wait to see how serious it is. That’s why we’re holding off. Zaccagni is already doing some work on the pitch,” he told LazioStyleChannel. “With Šutalo and Marušić, we’ll wait a few more days and release a statement once we’re sure of the diagnoses.”
Gattuso on Frattesi, Cancellieri and Gudmundsson
Frattesi has four Serie A goals for the league leaders this season, and he also scored in Italy’s win over France. Gattuso admits he often butts heads with the midfielder.
“I talk to Frattesi and clash with him a lot. He can become one of the best in the world at attacking the box,” Gattuso said. “Every time I won the ball back as a player, I counted them, and for me they were all goals, because I knew there were players around me who were better than me on the ball.
“He’s fundamental, but the difference we’re making is in attacking the line, and it isn’t only him. He arrives unnoticed, and it’s no coincidence he’s scoring all these goals. We go at each other, but we love each other.”
He also challenged Cancellieri to take his game to the next level.
“He needs to flick a switch. I spoke to him yesterday. He has the age and the potential, but he needs to improve in front of goal. We’re working on it, and he can do much more.”
Gudmundsson is back after a long injury, and Gattuso was pleased.
“He’s not at his sharpest, but he produces great moments of quality. We’re grateful he hasn’t had a relapse.”
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