Record-breaking Lazio and other surprising Serie A title contenders

Lazio's record-breaking start to the season — eight wins and a draw through nine games — is their best ever, second only to Roma's perfect 2013/14 campaign.

Lazio have made their best-ever start to a Serie A season under Gattuso, winning eight of their first nine matches and drawing one for 25 points. Only Roma's 2013/14 side, which won all nine games, has started better in Italian league history. Lazio have scored 12 different goalscorers (a record), share the best defence with Milan, and sit third in attack behind Inter and Roma. Gattuso has remained cautious despite the success, saying the team still needs 15 points to guarantee safety, even after a 6-2 demolition of Sassuolo. The article traces other surprise title contenders from recent Serie A history who led after nine games — including Sassuolo under De Zerbi in 2021/22 (who finished eighth), Fiorentina under Paulo Sousa in 2015/16 (fifth place), and earlier Lazio sides — to examine whether Gattuso's team will sustain their form or fade like those predecessors.