Gattuso: "I'm not used to tables like this"

Gattuso says Lazio's surprise league lead after nine games is unfamiliar territory, targeting 40 points as the next milestone ahead of Sunday's home match against Cagliari.

Lazio manager Gennaro Gattuso held his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's 15:00 kickoff against Cagliari at the Olimpico. The Serie A leaders, unexpectedly top after nine rounds, face a Cagliari side recovering from three consecutive defeats.

Gattuso dismissed suggestions that his current success represents redemption following his stint with the Italian national team, stating: "No redemption. Football is made of episodes — those episodes condemned us in that match. The beautiful thing about football is you always have the chance to bounce back."

On Cagliari's threat, he warned: "It's a tricky team with their characteristics. They defend well and counter effectively — it will be a difficult match. Against Roma they had nine shots on target; we need to be forceful and hungry." Despite Lazio's impressive form, Gattuso reiterated the team's modest target: "The objective is to reach 40 points. Even my players say it — I don't know if they're joking or being superstitious. I'm not used to seeing tables like this. I never thought after nine games we'd be here."

The manager praised his squad's mentality and commitment, expressing pride in their work rate and unity. He also reflected on the 10,000 supporters who travelled to Reggio Emilia for the previous match against Sassuolo, describing the atmosphere as feeling like a title decider rather than a ninth-round fixture.