Gattuso wanted to quit coaching career: ‘I always had a stomachache’

Lazio coach Gennaro Gattuso admits he wanted to quit coaching in the first years of his career: I always had a stomachache, and I got angry, but I belong on the field.'

Gattuso spoke to DAZN ahead of Lazio's away game at Juventus.

"We play against a team that makes you struggle on the wings. They have a great coach, but it's about mentality," Gattuso said.

ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 11: Saba Goglichidze of AC Monza scores his team's first goal during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Monza at Stadio Olimpico on October 11, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

"We can't manage the game; if we have to lose, we lose our way. We need to play to reference points and have courage, but sometimes we lack both.

"We want to start strong from minute one. We need courage; sometimes we might defend with a low block, but when we press with strikers, we must be aggressive," he added.

"I know we might struggle against Kolo Muani's pace, or McKennie playing as an attacking midfielder or on the wing, but we're here to play it."

VENICE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 19: SS Lazio head coach Gennaro Gattuso during the Serie A match between Venezia FC and SS Lazio at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on September 19, 2026 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Gattuso is in his first season at Lazio as the Biancocelesti hired him last summer, months after he failed to bring Italy to the 2026 World Cup.

The Biancocelesti have grabbed 16 points in the opening six Serie A games of the season.

"I must say that experiences abroad have helped me. We must change the players. If we want to do this job, we must get into the players' heads," Gattuso said.

VENICE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 19: Head coach of SS Lazio Gennaro Gattuso looks on during the Serie A match between Venezia FC and SS Lazio at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on September 19, 2026 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

"There are two or three things that are not negotiable. In the first years, I wanted to quit. When I got home, I always had a stomachache, and I got angry. I had to think differently. I tried to stay home, but honestly I missed football too much, so after two or three months, I got annoyed and started bothering the people close to me. I belong in the field; I like it. Even when the results weren't there and I struggled. My decisions prove it.

"I came here for one reason. Last season, they proved they could play in a certain way. I had already coached three or four of these players, so it was an easy choice. Hopefully, they'll continue."