Gattuso Frustrated with Lazio Despite 3-1 Monza Win: ‘Like the Second Half Against Milan’

FolioPitch.com – 12 October 2026 | Lazio secured a 3-1 victory over Monza on Sunday afternoon at the Stadio Olimpico, maintaining their unbeaten start to the 2026-27 Serie A season and moving joint-top of the table with 16 points from six matches. However, despite the win, head coach Gennaro Gattuso was left frustrated with Lazio despite the 3-1 Monza win, likening the second-half performance to ‘the second half against Milan’ in their recent 2-2 draw. Goals from Nuno Tavares, Gustav Isaksen, and Andrea Pinamonti sealed the three points in an empty stadium, but Gattuso’s post-match comments highlighted a recurring issue that threatens to derail Lazio’s title challenge.

Lazio started brightly and took a 2-0 lead into half-time, with Tavares opening the scoring before Isaksen doubled the advantage. The hosts looked in complete control, pressing high and creating chances at will. But after the break, the Biancocelesti took their foot off the gas, allowing Monza back into the game. Although Pinamonti restored the two-goal cushion, Gattuso was far from satisfied. ‘We can’t afford to play like that in the second half. It’s not the first time that this has happened,’ he told DAZN. ‘It felt like we were watching the second half against Milan again. I congratulated the boys for the first half, but after that, the concepts were wrong.’

The reference to the Milan match is telling. In that game, Lazio also led 2-0 at half-time but ended up drawing 2-2 after a dismal second-half display. Gattuso’s frustration with Lazio despite the 3-1 Monza win stems from the fact that the same mistakes are being repeated. ‘We weren’t there on second balls, we were non-existent for the first 25 minutes of the second half,’ he added. ‘Well done to the guys for their first-half performance, but the second half was the same as the one against Milan. We have to go and do the things we know how to do, not try and manage the game.’

The coach’s concerns are not just about this match but about a pattern that could cost Lazio dearly in the long run. ‘It’s a matter of mentality and attitude,’ Gattuso explained. ‘We were poor on second balls, Romano and Belahyane were always getting crushed. We have to do better at that, otherwise you end up running more if you don’t get there. You start getting into difficulty if you start making meaningless passes.’ He emphasized that the team must maintain their intensity for the full 90 minutes, rather than attempting to protect a lead prematurely. ‘We were good in the first half, but of course we’re going to make mistakes if we start trying to manage the game from 2-0 up. We have to improve on that.’

Despite the criticism, Lazio’s overall start to the season has been impressive. With five wins and one draw, they sit level on points with reigning champions Inter, who have an identical record. The victory over Monza, played behind closed doors due to stadium restrictions, keeps them in a strong position as they aim to challenge for the Scudetto. Yet Gattuso remains cautious, refusing to get carried away. ‘We have to take things day by day,’ he insisted. ‘You know as well as I do what it’s like playing in a stadium like this. It’s not easy, but we’re following our own path and we’ll see where we end up.’

The Italian tactician’s demanding nature is well-known, and his players will need to respond if they are to sustain their title push. The second-half slump against Monza was a reminder that complacency can creep in, even for a team in such fine form. Gattuso’s frustration with Lazio despite the 3-1 Monza win is a clear signal that he expects more—not just results, but performances that reflect a winning mentality for the entire match.

Lazio’s next fixtures will provide further tests of their character. With tough opponents on the horizon, Gattuso will be looking for his side to put together a complete performance, eliminating the lapses that have already cost them two points against Milan. The coach’s message is clear: managing games from a comfortable lead is a risky strategy, and one that Lazio cannot afford to rely on if they are to compete for the highest honors.

In conclusion, while the 3-1 win over Monza keeps Lazio at the summit of Serie A, Gattuso’s dissatisfaction serves as a warning. The recurring second-half issues must be addressed swiftly, or else the Biancocelesti risk dropping points in crucial matches. The coach’s frustration with Lazio despite the 3-1 Monza win underscores his high standards and the belief that this team can achieve something special—but only if they learn to maintain their focus and intensity for the full duration of every game.