Gattuso: "I know Allegri, I don't trust him. Zaccagni will be with us in Naples, he wanted it"

Gattuso warns Lazio not to underestimate Napoli despite their struggles, and confirms captain Zaccagni will travel with the squad despite a six-week injury layoff.

Lazio manager Rino Gattuso held his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's trip to Napoli, where his side will defend their position at the top of the table. Gattuso expressed respect for Napoli despite their recent difficulties, noting they remain a strong side. He praised their performance against Porto and warned his players not to be complacent.

Gattuso also discussed his history with Napoli manager Max Allegri, whom he played under and has never beaten as a coach. "I know him, I don't trust him," Gattuso said. "In moments of difficulty he always finds the right things to balance things out. He's shrewd." Gattuso added that playing at the Maradona stadium always carries special significance.

On injuries, Gattuso confirmed that captain Matteo Zaccagni, sidelined with an edema, will travel to Naples with the squad despite a projected six-week absence. "Zaccagni wanted to come with us to Termini station, he'll take the applause from the squad then go home and drive down tomorrow morning," Gattuso explained. "It shows the spirit we have right now." Nuno Tavares completed training and should be available, though Gattuso said he would assess him further before the match.