Gennaro Gattuso has taken Lazio to the top of Serie A with a start unlike any in the club’s history. Sunday’s 3–1 victory over Monza secured their fifth win in six league matches, a milestone Lazio had never previously achieved, and moved them level with defending champions Inter on 16 points.
Lazio established their advantage early at the Stadio Olimpico, with Nuno Tavares opening the scoring after three minutes and Gustav Isaksen doubling the lead midway through the first half. Monza were reduced to ten men before the interval, but the visitors responded through Saba Goglichidze immediately after the restart and created several opportunities to equalize. Goalkeeper Christos Mandas made important saves before Andrea Pinamonti secured the victory in the closing minutes.
Gattuso was particularly critical of Lazio’s second-half performance. Despite the result, he questioned his team’s decision to protect their advantage rather than maintain the intensity that had put them in control. His assessment offered an insight into the standards he is establishing at the club, even as Lazio continue to exceed early expectations.
The wider Serie A picture has made their progress more significant. Roma, Milan and Juventus all dropped points over the weekend, leaving Lazio alongside Inter at the summit after six rounds. Gattuso has been careful not to place too much importance on the standings, but his team’s results have already earned them a place in the early conversation about the championship.
Lazio’s next league match, away to Juventus on October 18, will offer a demanding test of their progress. For now, Gattuso has delivered a historic opening to the campaign and given Lazio a position few would have expected them to occupy so early in the season.
