Lazio's hopes in the Coppa Italia were dashed as they fell to a 0-2 defeat against Serie B side Mantova in a match held at the Olimpico. This unexpected loss means that Lazio's journey in the national cup ended prematurely, just at the thirty-second round, and it marks a troubling start to the season for the team and their new coach, Gennaro Gattuso.

The match, played in front of a half-empty stadium, saw the visitors dominate the atmosphere, with Mantova's fans outnumbering those of Lazio. The home side struggled throughout the game, appearing slow and disorganized, while Mantova capitalized on their opportunities, showcasing a more effective performance.

Goals from Mantova's Ruocco in the 75th minute and Cajazzo in stoppage time sealed the victory for the visitors. Lazio's players failed to make an impact, with many underperforming, including new signing Davide Frattesi, who came on as a substitute but couldn't change the tide of the match.

Following the match, Gattuso faced criticism for the team's lackluster display, with the coach himself acknowledging the significant work that lies ahead. With no European competition to look forward to this season, the pressure is on Lazio to regroup quickly and improve their form in the upcoming matches.

Match Summary

• Lazio Lineup: Mandas; Marusic, Doekhi, Provstgaard, Pedraza; Dele-Bashiru, Rovella, Taylor; Cancellieri, Dia, Zaccagni.
• Mantova Lineup: Bardi; Tomasevic, Cella, Castellini; Benaïssa-Yahia, Trimboli, Ignacchiti, Silva; Gliozzi, Ilie; Ruocco.
• Goals: 75' Ruocco (M), 96' Cajazzo (M).

This defeat is a significant setback for Lazio as they aim to bounce back in the league and regain their competitive edge.