Lazio’s Coppa Italia Campaign Ends in Shock with 0-2 Defeat to Mantova

FolioPitch.com – 16 August 2026 | Lazio‘s 2026 Coppa Italia campaign has come to a shocking end after they suffered a 0-2 defeat at the hands of Mantova at a virtually empty Stadio Olimpico. This embarrassing loss marks the beginning of Gennaro Gattuso‘s tenure as the team’s manager, and it’s safe to say that it’s not the start he was hoping for.

The Biancocelesti started the game with a lot of promise, coming close to scoring thrice in the opening minutes. However, they failed to create any real danger for the rest of the half, while Mantova gradually built momentum and tested Mandas on several occasions. The Greek custodian produced some confident saves, denying Francesco Ruocco, Ettor Gliozzi, and Rares Ilie.

Lazio regained control of the game after the restart, but they waited until the 67th minute to produce a genuine chance. Luca Pellegrini sent a cross from the left, which was redirected by Marusic towards the mouth of the goal. Cancellieri tried to meet it on the volley with an outstretched leg, but he couldn’t connect well with the ball, and the chance went begging.

Cancellieri then had another clear-cut chance after the hydration break, with Marusic delivering a sublime cross. However, the winger’s header whistled past the post. Mantova’s momentum continued to build, and they snatched the lead against the run of play with only 15 minutes left on the clock. Davide Bragantini made a run on the right flank before sending a cross to the mouth of the goal with the outside of his boot. Mandas dived to clear the danger, but Ruocco slipped past the backline to reach the ball first and put Mantova ahead.

Lazio pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but their attacking foray instantly backfired, as Mantova scored the second on the counter courtesy of Ismael Cajazzo, who slotted the ball into the empty net. Therefore, Gattuso’s tenure has begun on a nightmarish note. With no European football on the agenda, Lazio will solely play in Serie A for the next nine months.