Lazio has made a splash with the signing of Frattesi, and the former Internazionale midfielder has repaid the faith with two decisive goals, helping the Biancocelesti defeat Bologna and Genoa. He attended Lazio's pre-match press conference ahead of this weekend's away fixture against Udinese.

Sports director Angelo Fabiani opened proceedings: "Frattesi, how did you come to Lazio? It's quite an interesting story. Let's get straight to the questions."

Frattesi replied: "Actually, I was on a boat at the time and received a call from the head coach. Aside from some procedural formalities, it took us two or three days to finalize everything."

Lazio has pursued you for many years. What made you decide to join now? Have you always been a Lazio supporter?

"Honestly, no one really showed interest in me before. My relationship with Gattuso was forged in the national team, and I needed a project like this, so I decided quickly. I arrived with enthusiasm and anticipation. I want to perform well, which has been my intention from day one. I found a great team here and an excellent training facility where I can train properly and enjoy my football. I was a ball boy at Lazio as a child. My father used to take me to watch matches in the Tiber stand, and from the age of 11, I worked as a ball boy at the Curva Sud. I think I was very close to Scamacca during the Coppa Italia final. Later, we went to get pictures with the players, and I even joked with him about it."

From a technical standpoint, what attracted you to Lazio?

"I had a difficult season last year. This is an important city and a good opportunity for both me and Lazio to pursue significant objectives."

Will you be the player who leaves a major club to choose Lazio?

"Absolutely. After experiencing physical and mental struggles last season, I realized that money isn't that important. I'm not saying one should earn barely anything, but income isn't the most important thing in life. I would give all my savings to have five more minutes with my grandmother."

What went wrong at Internazionale last season?

"First, there were many excellent midfielders there. Then I suffered a serious injury at the start of the season. My mind wanted to play, but my body wouldn't cooperate. I didn't return to normal training until December, which was too late, especially at a club that aims to win titles and has such fierce competition."

Which goal would make you celebrate by climbing into the stands, like you did at San Siro?

"It's too early to talk about such goals now, as it's only August. The celebration depends on the moment. I might think about it beforehand, but when I score in the 90th minute, my mind goes blank."

What are your personal objectives?

"The team's goal is most important, because if we're in 15th place, nothing else matters. Of course, I want to score and assist as much as possible to help the team climb higher. What kind of winning mentality from the north do you want to bring here? "The club leadership will consider those things. I found a very advanced training facility here, with many things Milan doesn't have. I don't want to be a savior here, but we must take care of the small details, and small things add up. The head coach is excellent at organizing training, and I want to bring those two or three small improvements that can help. How did Gattuso convince you? "He said he would come and pick me up (laughs, editor's note). He explained the situation to me, and I'm the type of person who gets drawn in when I hear about challenging circumstances. He clearly outlined what needed to be revitalized here, and I got to know him as a person too. For a coach like him, if he needs help, of course I'm willing to contribute."

How much did Romagnoli's departure affect the dressing room?

"Alessio's career speaks for itself, and off the pitch, I've seen him as a role model for many young players. There's a great group of Italian players here, and everyone has to make their own career choices. We wish him all the best. What I can do is be a reference point for the younger players. Zaccagni is the team's leader and a very important captain."

Are you surprised by the excitement around your arrival? "Perhaps, but there's something beautiful about coming full circle and returning home. Many friends kept asking when I'd come back, and I think that's positive. I also needed to feel important again. I was struggling in Bologna and could only rely on enthusiasm to keep going, and we must try to maintain that enthusiasm."

Have you returned to your home in Fidene? If a young player wants to follow your path, what would you tell him?

"I went back yesterday and ate a kilo of potato pizza at Appetitosa. I've been very focused since childhood and knew exactly what I wanted to do. What's needed next is belief and sacrifice. If I had to say one thing to a child pursuing a dream, it would be to always give your all. If you can make it in this difficult sport, you can gain satisfaction for yourself and your family."

How much Roman spirit do you carry with you? Was returning to Lazio always part of the plan?

"Yes, coming home, though not this soon. Since my grandmother passed away, my priority has been to return home. I know it's difficult, but I want to spend more time with my family because I left when I was 16. If I can make up for lost time, that would be ideal."

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