Davide Frattesi came off the bench to score the only goal as Lazio earned a 1-0 victory over Bologna at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara in their Serie A opener.
The hard-fought result secured a winning start for Gennaro Gattuso in his first competitive match in charge of the Biancocelesti to open the new league season.
Both sides sought an early breakthrough in a tightly contested opening period, with Mattia Zaccagni and Alfonso Pedraza creating early opportunities for the visitors.
Bologna looked dangerous on the counter as Roberto Piccoli fired wide from the centre of the penalty area following Juan Miranda's delivery.
Lazio were forced into an early change when Fisayo Dele-Bashiru suffered an injury, prompting Gattuso to introduce Frattesi into the midfield five minutes before the goal.
The midfielder, who recently arrived from Inter, made an instant impression by breaking the deadlock in the 59th minute of the contest.
Boulaye Dia provided the vital assist, finding Frattesi inside the box to drill home the decisive strike and put the visitors in front.
Domenico Tedesco's side pushed hard for a route back into the contest, committing numbers forward during the closing stages of the second half.
However, Lazio held firm under sustained pressure, with goalkeeper Christos Mandas producing an assured display to preserve his side's narrow advantage.
