Delio Rossi: Lazio's League Position Expected to be Between Sixth and Tenth

Former Lazio coach Delio Rossi has shared his outlook on the upcoming Serie A season and the current state of the Biancocelesti in an interview with Tuttomercatoweb.com. Rossi believes the title race will likely remain a contest between Inter and Napoli, though he notes the unusual situation of the transfer market still being open, suggesting significant moves could still occur during the season. He considers August football to be ephemeral, with the true league trajectories only becoming clear after the transfer window closes.

Regarding Gennaro Gattuso's Lazio, Rossi's assessment is pragmatic and cautious. He projects the team's league position to fall within a narrow range: "Lazio? The range is this: if it goes well, they finish sixth; if it goes badly, tenth. And I believe this year will be the same." This prediction aligns with his view of the current squad's capabilities, placing them on the cusp of European qualification.

Concluding his interview, Rossi reflected on the unique pressure of the Roman football environment. Having lived and coached in Rome, he understands how local sentiment is heavily influenced by results. "If you do badly and others do badly too, you are less discontent. If others do well, the problems increase. Many are anti rather than pro," he explained, highlighting the heightened scrutiny that comes with the team's performance in the capital.

English Translation:

Former Lazio coach Delio Rossi has weighed in on the team's prospects for the upcoming Serie A season under manager Gennaro Gattuso. Speaking to Tuttomercatoweb.com, Rossi offered a pragmatic forecast, stating, "Lazio? The range is this: if it goes well, they finish sixth; if it goes badly, tenth. And I believe this year will be the same." He suggests this mid-table European qualification spot reflects the current strength of the squad.

Rossi also commented on the broader Serie A landscape, anticipating a continued battle for the Scudetto between Inter and Napoli. However, he highlighted the anomaly of the transfer market remaining open as the season commences, implying that the true strengths of teams will only become evident after the transfer window closes, as "August football is always ephemeral."

Reflecting on the unique pressures in Rome, the former Biancoceleste coach noted how results are amplified by local sentiment. He explained, "I live in Rome and I coached Lazio: if you do badly and others do badly too, you are less discontent. If others do well, the problems increase. Many are anti rather than pro."