Reda Belahyane has moved closer to the heart of Gennaro Gattuso’s midfield plans at Lazio following a commanding display in Saturday’s 2–0 win at Venezia in Serie A’s fifth round. The Moroccan midfielder played the full 90 minutes as the Romans secured their third consecutive victory, with goals from Mattia Zaccagni’s penalty and Tijjani Noslin’s follow-up settling the contest.
From Pre-Season Collapse to Regular Starter
Belahyane’s integration into Gattuso’s system came only after a gruelling summer period that tested both his fitness and resolve. During the club’s training camp, conducted under punishing heat and intensity, the midfielder lost consciousness on multiple occasions—a physical toll that forced him to seek out his manager for reassurance. “During the camp, Belahyane fainted two or three times,” Gattuso revealed after the Venezia match. “He came to my office to apologize, and I replied: ‘Don’t worry, step by step.'”
The coach’s patience proved justified. Rather than wilting under adversity, Belahyane’s willingness to absorb punishment and improve caught Gattuso’s attention—a mentality the Italian values above technical gifts alone. “When I see investment, boys who want to learn, it’s a satisfaction for me. I want to help them. The important thing is not to see people who don’t want to work; I don’t get along with them,” Gattuso explained.
Press Verdict Reflects Growing Confidence
Italian media response to Belahyane’s Venezia performance underlined his emergence as a fixture in Lazio’s engine room. La Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere dello Sport, and La Repubblica awarded identical marks of 6.5/10, singling out his midfield intensity, willingness in the tackle, and increased responsibility on the ball. Il Messaggero and Il Tempo were more effusive, rating him 7/10. Only Corriere della Sera offered dissent, scoring him 5.5/10.
The 24-year-old benefited directly from Nicolò Rovella’s absence, converting opportunity into continuity. At 13 points from five matches, Lazio’s strong early-season form has provided the platform for such individual progress.
More Read
Why Summer Hardship Matters Now
Belahyane’s arc from pre-season liability to trusted starter within weeks reflects something beyond simple tactical adaptation. Gattuso’s insistence on high-intensity preparation—the very regimen that left the Moroccan struggling physically—has created a baseline of fitness and familiarity that now allows him to operate with genuine authority in midfield. That he emerged from genuine adversity rather than being sheltered through it suggests Gattuso sees the character to sustain a long-term role, not merely fill a gap during injury.
