Lazio midfielder Davide Frattesi explained how a conversation with Gennaro Gattuso sparked his summer transfer.
The 27-year-old began his career at Formello before joining the youth ranks of their arch-rivals, Roma . Frattesi then had his big breakthrough at Sassuolo , which earned him a €35 million move to Inter Milan in the summer of 2023. But after playing second fiddle to Nicolo Barella and others, the Italian international decided to leave Appiano Gentile.
Frattesi, who joined Italy 's camp for the extended international break, discussed his time at Inter during his press conference at Coverciano (via La Lazio Siamo Noi ). The midfielder explained why he lingered at San Siro for three years despite his lack of playing time.
I don't think so. I was coming off a year with Inzaghi, from great emotions and important goals like the one against Barcelona . Then Chivu arrived, we spoke and said things to each other that convinced me not to dig my heels in to leave, also because I was in love with that environment. Then, with hindsight, it's easy to talk, but I don't think I left late.
Frattesi then jumped at the opportunity to rejoin Lazio, and it all stemmed from a phone call with Gattuso, who knew him from their time together at the Italian national team.
Obviously, I wasn't playing for the national team because I wasn't playing at Inter. Gattuso, though, called me a lot during the summer, stayed close to me and we immediately clicked. I went to Lazio because I wanted to return there and because he was there; he played a fundamental role in my decision.
The things we said to each other during the summer weren't exactly nice, but let's leave that aside; he pushed me in his own way.
Like Gattuso, the new Lazio signing considers the World Cup play-off defeat to Bosnia an open wound that will never heal.
I could even score 20 goals, but the wound from Zenica is still bleeding and it will take time. In fact, we never talk about this. We (Gattuso and I) only talk about Lazio because it's something heavy both for me and for him.
After collecting 13 points from the first five weeks, Lazio are currently joint Serie A leaders with Inter and Roma. Frattesi admits the positive start has taken him by surprise, especially after the shocking Coppa Italia elimination .
Honestly, I didn't expect it. We started with low enthusiasm after Mantova; the conditions weren't the best.What I like is that a good group has been created and that makes the difference, because you can get over disappointments well and recharge. As for the Scudetto, ask the Inter and Roma players.
