Lazio came from behind to beat Cagliari in Serie A and moved to the top of the table on their own. The win made it six consecutive league victories and left Lazio three points clear of Inter after Milan won the Derby della Madonnina.
How the match unfolded
Cagliari took the lead when Alieu Fadera pulled back from the by-line for M’Bala Nzola to tap in. Gustav Isaksen then equalised with a curler. Andrea Pinamonti completed the turnaround late on with a close-range header.
Controversy over the winner
There was controversy around Pinamonti's goal because Alessandro Deiola was down with a head injury in the build-up and the referee did not stop play. Deiola was then stretchered off after being left visibly dazed.
Gattuso on the game and the bench
Gattuso told DAZN Italia: "It was a very difficult match and all credit for that goes to Cagliari, because we struggled and those who came off the bench changed the game with their mentality."
He added: "This was a very important match for us, we did everything to take the result home. Cagliari are tough to deal with, they defend and attack well."
Gattuso said: "Those who came on showed great determination, hunger and vehemence, they changed the game."
He also said: "That is big for a coach to see. Not starting will always irritate a player, but the five substitutions made the difference today, and that makes me proud."
Table position and Zaccagni update
Lazio are, with Roma, the only sides still unbeaten in Serie A this season. Their next match is away to Napoli.
Gattuso said: "We are all up there, we still need 12 points to achieve the target of 40 that we set at the start of the season. Every team in the league is balanced and well-structured, so we’ve got to keep taking it one game at a time and see where we end up."
He added: "It is best that we don’t look at the table right now, or it’ll make us dizzy. We’ve got to push hard, rest, then push hard again."
On Mattia Zaccagni, Gattuso said: "Mattia Zaccagni got a knock and wasn’t running smoothly, so I preferred not to risk keeping him out there. He proved to be a real champion, his uncle died last night, who he was very close to, but he still wanted to play and help the team. This tells you the calibre of professionals I am working with."
