Lazio’s 6‑2 demolition of Sassuolo on Tuesday night was the most striking result of a Serie A season that has already seen a flurry of surprises. The away side, playing at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia, not only posted their best start to a campaign in club history but also saw great‑grandson of Benito Mussolini, Romano Floriani Mussolini, net his first Serie A goal. The win cemented Lazio’s position near the top of the table and highlighted the growing divide between the club’s supporters and owner Claudio Lotito.
The match began with a flurry of emotion from the travelling Lazio faithful. Ten thousand fans arrived in a weeknight fixture, a figure that dwarfed the attendance at the club’s last home game against Parma and underscored the frustration that has built up over the years. Banners across the away stand declared, “You are our glory, you are my victory, my flag in the wind,” setting the tone for a night that would see the visitors dominate.
Lazio took the lead in the second minute when Kenneth Taylor converted a half‑clearance with a side‑footed finish. A quick equaliser from Sassuolo followed, as Kristian Thorstvedt’s off‑target shot deflected in off Josip Sutalo. Lazio regained the advantage in the 13th minute when Mattia Zaccagni cut inside from the left and set up Gustav Isaksen for a tidy finish. By the 20th minute the score was 3‑1, with Zaccagni adding a header from a cross by Isaksen to make it 4‑1. The turning point came when Romano Floriani Mussolini scored his first Serie A goal, a moment that drew attention because of his family’s historical ties. Despite the political overtones, the striker said he was not interested in politics and that the goal was simply a footballing achievement.
Sassuolo’s fortunes dipped further when they were reduced to ten men in the 31st minute after Thorstvedt collided with Zaccagni. The visitors managed to pull one back before half‑time through Sebastiano Esposito, but Lazio extended their lead again with a Zaccagni header. The second half was a one‑sided affair, with Tijjani Noslin scoring twice from outside the box to seal the 6‑2 result. Stefano Turati saved two penalties for Sassuolo, first from Zaccagni and then from Davide Frattesi, keeping the scoreline from widening even more.
Manager Gennaro Gattuso reflected on the win by saying, “I closed my eyes and imagined we were in a full Stadio Olimpico. Ten thousand people travelling 300 km on a Tuesday makes me happy.” His comments underline the emotional significance of the result for both the club and its supporters. Gattuso’s contract includes a clause that guarantees an extension if Lazio finish no lower than twelfth, a provision that has become increasingly relevant as the team pushes for a top‑flight finish. While the club’s owner has been criticised for neglecting the team and alienating fans, Gattuso’s leadership has sparked a resurgence that has surprised many observers.
With the win, Lazio now sit near the top of the Serie A table, having won eight of nine games. Their only setback was a 2‑2 draw at home to Milan. The club’s future will hinge on whether Gattuso can sustain this momentum and bridge the gap between the passionate supporters and the club’s administration. For now, the 6‑2 victory over Sassuolo stands as a testament to Lazio’s newfound form and the potential for a season that could see the club challenge for European qualification.