Davide Frattesi Proves Decisive as Lazio Upsets Bologna at the “Dall’Ara”

The Coppa Italia setback and the ensuing controversy can be considered behind them, at least for now: Gennaro Gattuso’s revamped Lazio secured its first three points of the new season by defeating Bologna on the road at the “Renato Dall’Ara” Stadium on the opening day of the 2026–2027 Serie A season. Davide Frattesi was decisive on both sides of the field, scoring the winning goal and, shortly afterward, making a crucial save on the goal line.

The first half ended scoreless, with chances few and far between: Lazio also lost Floriani Mussolini to injury in the 19th minute, with Adam Marusic coming on in his place, thus officially beginning his tenth season in the blue-and-white jersey. Early in the second half, Gattuso brought on Isaksen for Cancellieri after the break and Frattesi for Dele-Bashiru—who was also sidelined with an injury—in the 54th minute: the second substitution proved decisive, as the former Inter player, five minutes after coming on, found the net by beating Skorupski following a beautiful backheel pass from Dia.

Bologna fought back and, between the 76th and 77th minutes, came very close to equalizing twice: first, Bernardeschi hit the post on a free kick (Mandas’ deflection also played a key role), and on the ensuing corner kick, Helland deflected the ball toward the goal but was denied by Frattesi, who prevented the score from becoming 1-1 just as the ball was about to cross the line.

Bologna’s final assault yields nothing else of real significance: Lazio defended well and kicked off the season with a win, while the Rossoblù, coached by Domenico Tedesco in his Serie A coaching debut, started with a loss that leaves plenty of regrets. Upcoming matches: Lazio hosts Genoa on August 30; Bologna travels to face Atalanta on August 31.