3 Games, 3 Goals! Inter Milan Outcast Frattesi Begins a New Chapter at Lazio, Summer Transfer Becomes a Win-Win-Win Choice

In the early hours of September 8, 2026, the third round of the 2026/27 Serie A season got underway. Lazio, known as the Biancocelesti, defeated Udinese 2-1 away from home to secure three consecutive wins at the start of the new season, joining Roma and Inter Milan at the top of the table with 9 points each. During the match, Inter Milan's former player Frattesi continued to show excellent form, and his equalizing goal in the second half helped him rediscover his passionate energy. After the match, Frattesi said in an interview that he had found that feeling of being 'electrified' again.

This summer, Frattesi joined Lazio from Inter Milan on loan, with a loan fee of 5 million euros. The deal perfectly illustrates the idea that a change of environment can revive a player's career. In the first round of Serie A, he started and scored the only goal of the match, helping Lazio secure a narrow away victory over Bologna. In the second round at home against Genoa, Frattesi scored again to help the team claim a 1-0 win and all three points.

Against Udinese in this match, Frattesi continued to start as a right midfielder. Lazio fell behind 0-1 shortly after the beginning of the game, but he gradually became the key figure in turning the match around. In the 75th minute, Frattesi made a timely run and scored to equalize; then in the 88th minute, Dorgu assisted Gudmundsson for a headed goal, securing Lazio's victory as they won 2-1.

In this contest, Frattesi played 80 minutes and delivered an outstanding performance. He had three shots, with one on target, created three successful dribbles, made one tackle and one interception, drew three fouls from opponents, and won five of 15 ground duels. With this performance, he received a match rating of 7.4, second only to goalkeeper Okoye, who made four saves, and was named the best player of the match.

In just three matches, Frattesi has already scored three goals, producing an impressive start. In a post-match interview, the Italian international said he did not expect such a strong opening: 'But I have finally found that feeling of passion and excitement again, and it means a lot to me.' Although he was disappointed about being substituted early, he still accepted the coach's decision.

The 26-year-old Frattesi is a current Italy international who initially came through Lazio's youth academy and later played for clubs including Roma, Sassuolo, Ascoli, Empoli, and Monza. In the summer of 2023, he joined Inter Milan on a 5 million euro loan deal before being permanently signed for 26.4 million euros. During his notable three seasons at San Siro, Frattesi made 122 appearances in all competitions, scoring 15 goals and providing 12 assists.

With his excellent off-the-ball runs and sharp finishing ability, Frattesi became a rare goal-scoring midfielder in Serie A. However, because Inter Milan's midfield system was already well established, he could only remain a substitute, although he often played the role of a hero in key moments. Despite this, his opportunities to start were frequently limited by technical shortcomings, and he recorded only two assists in 33 appearances last season, which was disappointing for a player with such talent.

After a period of consideration, Frattesi ultimately chose to say goodbye to Inter Milan, and the transfer proved beneficial for all parties involved: Inter gained financial flexibility and salary space, Frattesi found a stage where he could fully showcase his potential, and Lazio added a quality midfielder. This is the nature of football; sometimes the most touching stories are not about long-term stays, but about giving everything and then parting ways with mutual respect and good wishes.