Former Lazio Player Marco Lin: Frattesi and Gudmundsson Have Raised the Team’s Level

In an interview with Lazio Radio, Marco Lin said that Frattesi and Gudmundsson have improved Lazio’s overall level.

Speaking about Lazio’s performances under Gattuso, Marco Lin said: “I feel this is a team that plays with a lot of enjoyment and was not affected after falling behind. The foundation of this team is ground passing. Some players in the squad have improved, with Frattesi being the most obvious example, and Gudmundsson as well. I think the team responded quickly. Gattuso realized the difficulties, but I believe he was later satisfied with the players’ attitude. He saw in the match against Udinese that there are still areas where the team needs to improve. From Bologna to Udinese, this team has made progress.” Lazio Siamo Noi relayed his comments.

Discussing the differences between Gattuso, Sarri, and Baroni, Marco Lin said: “Compared with Sarri, Gattuso wants the defenders to push up the defensive line and wants the team to play more directly. I think his team is more compact and more energetic than during the Baroni period. In my opinion, Gattuso has gained less than he has sown. The work he has done in these two months is something not many people could achieve. He can feel the team’s support, and the players are willing to cooperate with him. How does he attract players? Through his way of communication. He makes you feel important and gives you motivation to work with him.”

Speaking about Frattesi and Gudmundsson, he added: “I know how much Frattesi wanted to come to Lazio at the time, and I know he wanted to become a leader of the team. I once told him that Lazio needed leaders. I know Nottingham Forest and Juventus also wanted him. The only thing that made me somewhat uncertain was Gudmundsson. We are used to seeing him play on the left or behind the striker, but putting him on the right? In my opinion, he can play anywhere. Modern football is no longer played with such strict positioning. The only issue is that if he plays on the right, it could affect Frattesi’s forward runs.”

Speaking about Pinamonti, Marco Lin said: “When you play a 4-3-3 system, a forward often has to do three things at the same time: drop back to push down the opponent’s defensive line, drop back to provide support, and attack the depth. It becomes more difficult against a back three; if the opponent uses a back four, you can attack the space behind them more. Against AC Milan, who will take a more proactive attacking approach, he will have the chance to show his qualities. Against Udinese, possession was difficult because their defensive line was very well positioned. I want to wait until October and November before giving an evaluation, but he has the ability to become the striker Lazio are missing.”