Gennaro Gattuso rejects Mauro Icardi deal as Lazio prepares to face Venezia in Serie A

Squad focus ahead of fifth round

Lazio visits Venezia at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on Saturday at 20:45 in the fifth round of Serie A, with the match broadcast live across Dazn and Sky Sport Calcio. Gennaro Gattuso's side has collected 10 points from its opening four league fixtures, remaining unbeaten after a 2-2 draw against Milan at the Stadio Olimpico. A victory against Giovanni Stroppa's squad, combined with the outcome of the fixture between Roma and Inter, could move Lazio to the top of the table before the upcoming international break. Venezia enters the encounter at the bottom of the standings following a 4-2 home defeat to Fiorentina, in which Franco Mastantuono scored a hat-trick.

Gattuso dismisses Icardi transfer talk

During his pre-match press conference at the Formello training centre, Gattuso formally closed the door on signing free-agent striker Mauro Icardi. The former Galatasaray forward, who has scored 250 career goals, became available as an unattached player following a cruciate ligament injury. Gattuso explained that Lazio made its technical choices during the transfer window by securing Andrea Pinamonti and Albert Gudmundsson, making any further additions unnecessary.

Nobody questions the value of a player who has scored more than 250 goals in his career, but we made choices earlier, bringing in players like Pinamonti and Gudmundsson with whom we had certain conversations.

Gattuso noted that squad harmony takes precedence over opportunistic signings. He stated that adding another senior forward would force established players out of the squad, creating selection problems. Gattuso confirmed he discussed the decision with the club president and sporting director, agreeing to maintain the current roster without taking on unattached players.

Tactical identity and managerial perception

Addressing public perceptions of his coaching style, Gattuso rejected claims that he functions merely as a motivator. He referenced his previous managerial spells at Milan and Napoli, where he recorded 77 points without securing Champions League qualification, arguing that his teams played structured football. He remarked that his playing career as a tenacious midfielder, nicknamed "Ringhio", leads observers to mischaracterise his tactical approach.

I am a hostage of my character. When you have Ringhio as a nickname they label you, but this is a different job.

Gattuso warned his players that Venezia will provide a demanding test by applying man-to-man marking and high pressing. He stressed that Lazio must avoid complacency after recovering from an early season Coppa Italia exit against Mantova. He also offered an apology to supporters who attended the Milan match, acknowledging that he had forgotten to thank them on the pitch.

Team news and off-pitch distractions

Gattuso dismissed external discussion regarding an ongoing investigation into an alleged takeover maneuver targeting Lazio president Claudio Lotito. The manager stated that off-pitch developments have not affected the locker room, insisting the squad must focus solely on daily training and professional duties.

On the injury front, Danilo Cataldi returned to team training, while Adam Marusic continues rehabilitation to return after the international break. Midfielder Nicolo Rovella is scheduled for an MRI next week, while Fisayo Dele-Bashiru was rested as a precaution despite recovering. Danilho Doekhi and Gustav Isaksen are available for selection. Forward Andrea Pinamonti continues to build fitness after limited pre-season work at Sassuolo due to an ankle issue, while Luca Pellegrini continues training with the first team despite remaining off the official Serie A squad list.