Lazio begins Gattuso era with Coppa Italia match against Mantova

Lazio begins the 2026/27 season under new manager Gennaro Gattuso this Sunday, August 16, facing Mantova in the Coppa Italia round of 32 at the Stadio Olimpico. The match is scheduled for 21:15 and will be broadcast on Italia 1 and Mediaset Infinity.

Gattuso enters the official debut following a successful preseason featuring six consecutive friendly victories. Tactically, the team is expected to transition from a Sarri-style 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1 formation. While the defense appears settled, there are selection uncertainties in the attack regarding players like Tijjani Noslin, Matteo Cancellieri, and Boulaye Dia. Davide Frattesi is expected to start from the bench.

Mantova, preparing for their Serie B campaign, arrives as the underdog but has shown strong form in recent friendlies. Despite the high stakes, attendance projections for the Stadio Olimpico are low, with estimates suggesting approximately 7,000 spectators, including roughly 2,000 traveling Mantova supporters. Mantova coach Francesco Modesto expressed regret over the potential for a sparsely populated stadium but remains motivated to challenge the Serie A side.