Tensions between the team and supporters have escalated further following Lazio's unexpected elimination from the Coppa Italia in the first round at the hands of Mantova. Following the humiliating 0-2 defeat, Lazio fans not only continued their boycott of home matches but also renewed their attacks on club president Lotito, calling him a "dictator" and stating bluntly: "Things are going from bad to worse".

In recent months, dissatisfied with Lotito's management of the club, Lazio supporters have protested continuously by refusing to enter the Stadio Olimpico to support the team. Initially, some season ticket holders opted to give up their seats as a form of protest; this season, a growing number of fans have chosen not to buy season tickets at all.

The attendance at Lazio's first official match of the new season confirmed the impact of the fan boycott. In the Coppa Italia match against Mantova, only 5,528 spectators were present at the Stadio Olimpico, of which more than 2,000 were visiting Mantova supporters. More ironically, some spectators in the "home stands" were actually supporters of their city rivals, Roma, who came simply to film videos mocking Lazio.

After the match, an organized ultras group from Lazio issued a public statement, fiercely criticizing club president Lotito, coach Gattuso, and new signing Frattesi.

The fan group declared: "What is our current situation? The answer is obvious: things are getting worse. Losing to Mantova and being eliminated from the Coppa Italia, a trophy we once valued greatly".

They then recalled their recent protest actions: "From June 5th, we announced a series of decisions. On July 2nd, 30,000 people took to the streets to protest".

The fan group also expressed their dissatisfaction with the arrival of new signing Frattesi. Frattesi had previously openly admitted to being a Roma supporter, which became one of the main reasons some Lazio fans opposed his signing.

The statement read: "We have always welcomed new players wearing the Lazio shirt, especially those from our own academy. But nothing can deviate from our fundamental demands".

"After such a humiliating defeat, we must remember one thing: we are dealing with a dictator. He is unwilling to accept defeat and fails to realize he has reached his limit".

Lazio fans emphasized that their main concern is not new signings or short-term results, but the future direction of the club.

"We don't need new players; we need new owners. Promises to build a new stadium cannot change our minds, especially because we oppose the plan to divide the Curva Nord into two levels. We want to reclaim our freedom, and we will fight for it until the end".

The fan group also reiterated their earlier demands: "We made a very basic request: that Romans leave Lazio. But even this cannot be achieved. We see no change, nor do we see the club genuinely willing to listen to the voices of the fans".

Regarding the new coach, Gattuso, the fans expressed their support: "Welcome to Lazio, Mr. Gattuso. You have a very significant responsibility on your shoulders. We will support you as we have supported your predecessors".

However, they also warned certain team players: "For those who are unworthy of wearing the Lazio shirt in every match, who are unwilling to give their maximum effort and who are disrespectful to the club's history, our position is clear: either they demonstrate a spirit of total commitment or they leave Lazio".

"There is no room for excuses now. After losing to Mantova, they have exhausted their last chance".

Finally, the organized Lazio ultras group urged supporters not to be deterred by external provocations and stated that, even with restrictions on away matches, they would continue to follow the team.

"Don't fall into the trap of provocation. Some at Formello (Lazio's training ground) may hope we return to the Stadio Olimpico because we are banned from away matches, but they are mistaken".

"Wherever they go, they will see us in the away stands of Italian stadiums. If official organized trips are cancelled, we will turn our journeys to the cities where Lazio plays into 'cultural trips', but we will still be there to support the team".

Traducido por IA.

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