September 9: Three Goals in Three Rounds! From Inter Rotation Midfielder to Lazio's Key Man, Frattesi Shows the Power of a Fresh Start

There is hardly a better example of instant impact; the saying that a change of environment can revive a person is truly reflected here. This season's most surprising comeback story in Serie A has been brilliantly written by one player. He is Italian international Frattesi, who moved from Inter Milan to Lazio this summer.

At the start of the season, Lazio collected all nine points from the first three Serie A matches, standing alongside powerhouses Inter Milan and Roma near the top of the table. The biggest contributor to the Biancocelesti's perfect start was undoubtedly their new summer signing, Frattesi. After three league matches, he had scored in every game, whether through a dramatic winner or a crucial equalizer in difficult moments. With each important goal, he carried Lazio's attack and became one of the most talked-about players in Serie A, delivering an explosive run of form.

Who could have imagined that last season this player was still a fringe figure waiting for opportunities on Inter Milan's bench, with his playing time sharply reduced and his career temporarily at a low point? Now, he has transformed into one of Serie A's most in-form attacking midfielders, becoming the undisputed core and spirit of Lazio. Looking back at Lazio's winning run, every victory bears Frattesi's mark, and his scoring record has mirrored the team's entire path to success, showing its importance.

In the opening Serie A round away against Bologna, Frattesi received a precise assist from teammate Dia in the 59th minute and fired home the only goal of the match to secure the victory. In the second round, against Genoa's resilient defensive counterattacking approach at home, Frattesi stepped up again. In the 25th minute, he reacted quickly to meet Nuno Tavares' cross from the flank and found the net, scoring the winning goal in Lazio's 1-0 clean-sheet victory and helping the team secure two consecutive league wins. Then, in the early hours of today, he scored another crucial goal away against Udinese. Across three league matches, Lazio scored four goals in total, and Frattesi alone contributed three of them. These goals were not merely finishing touches; they were decisive moments that rescued the team or changed the course of matches. Such a signing is a treasure for Lazio.

The reason Frattesi has shown such outstanding form is also connected to a significant historical record. It is worth noting that since Serie A adopted the three-point system in the 1994-95 season, he is the second player in 32 years to score in each of his first three appearances for Lazio. The previous player to achieve this record was Zarate in the 2008-09 season. These statistics show that Frattesi's explosion is not a brief flash, but a remarkable start that has entered the club's history. His brilliance stands out even across Serie A.

During this summer transfer window, Lazio signed Frattesi from Inter Milan on loan for only a €5 million loan fee. The agreement also includes €2 million in bonuses, a €10 million purchase option, and a 50% sell-on clause. A loan cost of just €5 million has brought Lazio a player who scores in every match, provides most of the team's goals, and has become the biggest contributor to their three-match winning streak. Compared with the tens of millions or even hundreds of millions of euros often spent on transfers in modern football, Frattesi's value for money is exceptional, making him one of the most worthwhile signings in Serie A and European football this summer.

During his time at Inter Milan, Frattesi was trapped in a rotation role, with his playing time greatly reduced and his tactical importance gradually diminished. His talent and ability were heavily overlooked, leaving him in a period of career struggles. There is no doubt that Frattesi's talent had long been recognized. During his time at Sassuolo, he displayed great creativity and quality at both ends of the pitch, proving his ability. However, limited by his circumstances at the time, his strengths were not fully displayed.

Now, after moving to Lazio and continuing to wear his beloved No. 16 shirt, Frattesi appears to have completely broken free of restrictions and entered a new chapter of his career. He has gone from a marginal figure at a top club to an unquestioned leader at a mid-table side; from an overlooked substitute to the team's most consistent and reliable scorer. Through one outstanding performance after another, he has perfectly demonstrated the old football saying that a change of environment can bring new life. For Lazio, bringing in Frattesi this summer has undoubtedly been a major bargain. For Frattesi himself, he has successfully achieved a career 'rebirth'.