Lazio have ascended to the top of the Serie A table, leading the league with 28 points after 10 rounds. Under the guidance of coach Gennaro Gattuso, the Biancocelesti have enjoyed an impressive start to the season, securing nine wins and one draw.
This achievement marks a significant milestone for the club, as it is the first time in 16 years that Lazio has sat alone at the summit of Italy’s top flight. Their strong form has seen them establish a three-point lead over defending champions Inter, who recently suffered a 3-1 defeat to city rivals Milan.
Gattuso’s Impact and Recent Victory
Lazio’s most recent triumph was a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Cagliari, where they demonstrated resilience by coming from a goal down to secure all three points. Following the match, Gattuso praised his squad’s depth and determination.
“Those who came on showed great determination, hunger and vehemence; they changed the game. 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.”
The coach also emphasised the importance of focusing on each game individually, stating that the team needs 12 more points to reach their initial target of 40 for the season.
Historical Context and Future Challenges
While Edy Reja was the last Lazio coach to top the Serie A standings in the 2010-11 campaign, this current achievement of being alone at the top after 10 rounds holds particular historical weight for the club. Gattuso has urged his players to avoid getting “dizzy” by looking at the table, instead focusing on continuous effort and rest.
Lazio’s next challenge will be an away fixture against Napoli. The Partenopei currently sit eighth in the Serie A standings, 14 points adrift of Gattuso’s high-flying side. The upcoming match at the Stadio Maradona will also see Gattuso reunite with his former Milan coach, Massimiliano Allegri, who is now in charge of Napoli.
The team’s remarkable start comes despite low expectations at the beginning of the season, including an early exit from the Coppa Italia and ongoing fan boycotts at home matches. Their unbeaten run in the opening ten games underscores a fantastic collective effort that few anticipated.