Gattuso Worried About Tavares Opens First-Team Door to Young Lazio Duo

FolioPitch.com – 20 July 2026 | Lazio head coach Gennaro Gattuso has expressed concern over Nuno Tavares‘ knee inflammation but hinted that the injury could pave the way for talented youngsters Gabriele Artistico and Bruno Galassi to break into the first team. The situation surrounding Gattuso worried about Tavares opens first-team door to young Lazio duo has become a central talking point after Monday’s friendly against the club’s Primavera side.

In his first match in charge, Gattuso’s senior squad defeated the U20 team 3-1 at Formello, but the boss was most focused on the growing injury list. Tavares, the Portuguese full-back, is struggling with a knee condition that has kept him out of action. "Nuno is the one we’re most concerned about because he has inflammation in his knee," Gattuso confirmed. This development has forced the coach to look at alternatives within the squad, particularly the young duo of Artistico and Galassi, who impressed in the friendly.

The fact that Gattuso worried about Tavares opens first-team door to young Lazio duo is not lost on the players. Artistico, 23, scored twice from the penalty spot after coming on in the second half, while 19-year-old Galassi started the match in midfield. Gattuso praised their attitude and potential, suggesting they could remain with the senior squad if they continue to work hard. "I like Artistico. He’s got the right spirit and had a good season in Serie B. I like his humility and the way he works. We’ll see if he stays," Gattuso said. Regarding Galassi, the coach added: "He is a 2007-born player and still has plenty of room for improvement. He needs to build up physically."

The coach’s comments come amid a challenging pre-season where several players are missing due to illness and injury. Nicolo Rovella missed training with a fever but returned on Monday, while others were rested as a precaution. The injury crisis has accelerated the need for young talents to step up, and Gattuso worried about Tavares opens first-team door to young Lazio duo has become a silver lining for the club’s academy prospects.

Gattuso also expressed admiration for his predecessor Maurizio Sarri, who kept the team united last season despite various difficulties. "If we look back at last season, a lot of the credit goes to the coach and the players. Considering everything that happened last year – the atmosphere around the club, the injuries – the team never fell apart and always stayed united," Gattuso noted. He emphasized that the squad’s strong mentality is a foundation to build upon.

Other updates from the training camp include positive news about Alfonso Pedraza, who has settled in quickly after his move from Villarreal, despite a minor muscular issue. Gattuso also addressed the goalkeeping situation, highlighting Christos Mandas’ experience and Edoardo Motta’s bright future. "Pedraza looks as though he’s been here for years already. He’s already joking around and has settled in well with his teammates," the coach said.

As Lazio continues their pre-season preparations, the focus remains on fitness and integration. The friendly against the Primavera side served as a useful test, with the senior team showing resilience after falling behind. Gattuso praised the players’ work ethic in the hot conditions and stressed that there is still room for improvement.

In conclusion, while Tavares’ injury is a concern, it has inadvertently created an opportunity for Artistico and Galassi to make their mark. The phrase Gattuso worried about Tavares opens first-team door to young Lazio duo perfectly encapsulates the current situation at Formello. With the Serie A season approaching, the development of these young players could be crucial for Lazio’s depth and success.