Lazio head coach Gennaro Gattuso admitted "we know that we have to improve in many areas", but believes his team have the right "spirit and mentality" to do so.

Gattuso was appointed as Lazio boss following Maurizio Sarri's departure at the end of a disappointing 2025-26 campaign.

Lazio finished ninth in Serie A last season, while their hopes of qualifying for Europe were ended after losing in the Coppa Italia final against Inter.

It was the worst finish for the Biancocelesti since the 2013-14 campaign, when they finished ninth under the guidance of Vladimir Petkovic for the first part of the season and Edoardo Reja for the second.

Lazio also ended the season without a player reaching double figures in goals for the second time in the last three seasons (after 2023-24), after having had at least one player with 10 goals in a season in Serie A since 2010-11.

Gattuso's first pre-season game saw his side defeat their Under-20s outfit 3-1, but the former Italy boss conceded there is a lot to improve upon.

"We've got to compliment the lads, who had a really good week in training," said Gattuso.

"We knew it would be a bit of a struggle, but we did some good things, and above all we’re glad not to have new injuries.

"We know that we have to improve in many areas, but we've got the right spirit and mentality."

Lazio's first competitive game of the season comes against Mantova in the Coppa Italia on August 16.

Gattuso's side start their 2026-27 Serie A campaign eight days later away to Bologna.