Frattesi targets Italy Nations League start after prolific Lazio opening
Davide Frattesi marked his 27th birthday with Italy at Coverciano as the Lazio midfielder prepares for Friday’s UEFA Nations League opener against Belgium in Rome.
What we know
- Frattesi is in sharp form after scoring three times in his opening three appearances for Lazio.
- The Rome-born midfielder left Inter in the summer after two seasons without consistent starting opportunities at San Siro.
- Gennaro Gattuso personally convinced Frattesi to join Lazio. The player said the coach’s call made his decision immediate, citing their shared competitive edge and a strong early connection.
- Frattesi said returning home and working under Gattuso restored his desire to play, while stressing that his move was driven by both his own wish to return and the coach’s determination to sign him.
- He and Gattuso have not revisited Italy’s World Cup qualifying defeat to Bosnia in Zenica. Frattesi described it as a wound that remains open and said he did not watch any matches during the World Cup.
- Frattesi made his senior Italy debut under Roberto Mancini in 2022 and has backed the returning coach, insisting the squad trusts his tactical direction despite earlier criticism.
Next step: Belgium at the Olimpico
Italy face Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico on Friday, with Mark van Bommel set to lead the visitors. Frattesi is expected to feature in midfield at his home ground as Mancini begins a new international cycle.
The Lazio player wants Italy to concentrate on the immediate task: beat Belgium, bring younger players into the group and start the Nations League campaign with three points.
