Davide Frattesi says that his performance away against Bologna is the level he expects of himself when he plays regularly, and says that Gennaro Gattuso is the main reason why he decided to join Lazio from Inter earlier this summer.
Frattesi took just four minutes after coming off the bench in the second half to send Lazio on their way to a 1-0 victory away against Bologna on Monday evening in the first round of 2026-27 Serie A fixtures.
It was an excellent flick from Boulaye Dia that sent Frattesi through on goal and the Italy international made no mistake with his finish on the corner of the six-yard box.
You can see how the action unfolded on the Football Italia Liveblog.
Frattesi reacts after match-winning performance in Bologna 0-1 Lazio
Speaking in a post-match interview with DAZN after full-time, Frattesi explained why he does not feel quite ready to step into the Lazio starting XI, despite arguably being the biggest attraction in the Lazio squad, let alone the midfield.
“I came on a bit later because I’m not quite there yet given that I’ve missed a bit of pre-season,” Frattesi said (via TMW).
“I’m not 100% yet but I’ve already played 90 minutes of football (across two appearances). I always knew it was inside me. This is how I am when I’m doing well. So, my goal is to get to 100% in terms of condition and maintain that.”
Frattesi says that the relationship that he created with former Italy national team head coach Gattuso is the main reason behind his decision to join Lazio this summer, despite interest from the Premier League.
“I came here because of him, because in the national team, even if I didn’t play too much, I got to know him really well as a person.
“I also feel like an ‘old-school’ player, even if I’m not too old. But for me, relationships and good people count for a lot and he’s a proper man. There aren’t too many in football, so if I can lend a hand to a proper good person, I will do it.”
Lazio were backed by a sold-out away end at the Dall’Ara on Monday evening, but the Biancocelesti fans are still protesting against club owner Claudio Lotito and the team are set to play their home matches in a practically empty Stadio Olimpico this season.
Asked whether he would like to comment on the situation, Frattesi said: “19 games is better than none as far as I’m concerned. It’s fine at the end of the day.
“As for what happens next, it’s not up to me to say. I can only try to help take this team and these guys as far as possible, then we’ll see what happens.”
