Lazio’s Gattuso eases Taylor spat while honouring Baresi

Lazio head coach Gennaro Gattuso announced that the training‑ground dispute with midfielder Kenneth Taylor is now behind the club, while also leading a heartfelt homage to the late Franco Baresi after a 6‑3 pre‑season victory over Avellino. The resolution restores focus on the squad’s preparation for the upcoming season.

Gattuso said the flashpoint with Taylor was forgotten within half an hour, insisting the incident was a brief flash that did not linger. He emphasized that the matter was settled quickly and that the team moved on.

“The other day someone enjoyed writing about Taylor, but that’s part of the game,” Gattuso told reporters. The comment, delivered via journalist Alfredo Pedullà, was intended to defuse the media fuss that followed the earlier bust‑up.

“Those who know me know how I think, what my style is. For me it was all over after thirty minutes, and you saw that again this afternoon. We have to have this spirit,” he added, reinforcing his belief that the episode should not affect the squad’s morale.

Speaking after the 6‑3 friendly win over Avellino, Gattuso praised the team’s appetite for the intense, man‑oriented pressing game he wants to impose. “The team is starting to do what we want, high pressure, a high line, going man to man,” he said, noting the enthusiasm on display.

The remarks were made at the Formello Training Centre, where SS Lazio faced Avellino in a match that showcased the club’s pre‑season plans. The venue, described as the Formello Sport Centre, provided the backdrop for the coach’s comments.

Gattuso also highlighted that, although progress is evident, the level still has to rise in the coming weeks. He described the work as a pleasure but warned that the squad must continue to improve to meet his tactical standards.

Closing the briefing, Gattuso paid tribute to Franco Baresi, calling the Milan great “a legend” who “left us too soon” and deserved a Ballon d’Or for redefining the libero role. He offered condolences to Baresi’s family and said the late captain would remain in the history of world football.