Gattuso: I would accept a player having a drink rather than disrupting training

Lazio manager Gennaro Gattuso says he would tolerate a player having an alcoholic drink or staying out late, but will not accept anyone compromising a training session.

Lazio are preparing to face Parma in the eighth round of the Italian league on Saturday.

“I prefer honesty and transparency,” Gattuso told reporters. “If a player tells me they have had an extra alcoholic drink or stayed out for a night, that is acceptable, but I will not allow anyone to ruin a training session.”

Gattuso warned his team they could be punished if they fail to maintain their standards against Parma.

“If our level drops or we become complacent, Parma will teach us a harsh lesson that we will not forget,” he added.

Lazio are second in the Italian league with 19 points, level with leaders Inter.

Parma are 19th and second from bottom, with four points.