Davide Frattesi said at Italy’s training centre in Coverciano that he did not expect Lazio’s strong start to the season and also spoke about reuniting with Gennaro Gattuso. Football Italia said Lazio’s surprising start to the season has put them level on 25 points with Inter after nine Serie A games.
Lazio’s start to the season
Frattesi said: “I didn’t [expect it], also because at the start of the season there wasn’t exactly huge enthusiasm, since we were coming from the Mantova game in Coppa Italia and the conditions weren’t exactly ideal.”
Football Italia said Lazio had been eliminated by Serie B side Mantova in the Coppa Italia in mid-August.
Frattesi said they have created a good group and that makes a difference.
When asked whether Lazio can really fight for the Serie A title, Frattesi replied: “There are the Inter and Roma lads here; you can ask them.”
Frattesi’s numbers
Football Italia said Frattesi has netted three goals in five Serie A appearances.
Reunion with Gattuso
Football Italia said Frattesi has reunited with ex-Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso at the Stadio Olimpico.
Frattesi said: “I always felt his trust even when I wasn’t playing much for the national team. When he called me back this summer, I didn’t think twice. I appreciate him as a person before I appreciate him as a coach.”
Frattesi said he and Gattuso never talk about Italy’s failed attempt to qualify for the World Cup: “We never talk about this; we’ve only talked about Lazio. We know it’s difficult for both him and me. I went to Lazio because I wanted to come back here and because he was here.”
World Cup qualification failure
On Italy’s failed attempt to qualify for the World Cup, Frattesi said: “I could score 20 goals this year, but it’s a wound that’s still bleeding. It will take time.”