Zaccagni on how ‘contagious’ Gattuso inspired 5-0 Estonia rout

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Sam Wilson | Last updated Sep 6, 2025 2:12 PM ET

Lazio captain Mattia Zaccagni has described how new Italy head coach Gennaro Gattuso’s “energy and enthusiasm” was “contagious” and helped inspire the Azzurri to a 5-0 win against Estonia.

In Gattuso’s first game in charge, Italy turned around a 0-0 stalemate at half-time into an impressive 5-0 rout and, speaking to Rai, via TuttoMercatoWeb, Zaccagni said “We were looking for this attitude that the coach asked of us and I think we brought it onto the pitch in a big way.”

“It was contagious.” Zaccagni continued, “Gattuso gave us a lot of slaps and gave us the energy and enthusiasm that set him apart as a player, and we felt it on the pitch. We gave ourselves a lot of freedom in how we interpreted the role; he asked us for intensity and a strong approach to the game. We got it.”

Lazio captain Zaccagni: ‘Sarri has enthusiasm, like Gattuso’

The 30-year-old also took some time to discuss Lazio, who appear to be in for a complicated season.

The Biancocelesti were placed under transfer embargo in the summer, preventing the club from providing returning head coach Maurizio Sarri with any additional reinforcements. Despite this, Sarri’s return to the club was welcomed by fans and players alike and the Roman side have won one and lost one of their opening two matches this season.

“Sarri has definitely brought a lot of enthusiasm,” Zaccagni said, “We know what he was and what he is, his influence has rekindled the fans’ joy despite the transfer market problems. We’ve taken everything as a challenge and want to see the glass half-full. I’m very happy here and proud to be the captain.”

Zaccagni signed for Lazio in 2022 and is one match away from 100 Serie A appearances for the Biancocelesti, scoring 25 goals.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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