Rennes striker Boulaye Dia has backed Gennaro Gattuso’s impact at Lazio, insisting the Italian coach’s early success is the product of hard work rather than magic.

Dia, who spent time at Lazio before returning to France, believes Gattuso has brought renewed belief to the team after a difficult previous season.

Lazio have made an impressive start to the campaign, moving level on points with Inter at the top of the table, a development Dia admits he did not anticipate.

Speaking to Flashscore , the Senegal international said the team had shown signs of improvement during pre-season, despite suffering a 2-0 defeat to Mantova in the Coppa Italia.

“He’s not a magician; there is simply a lot of work behind it. People judged him on his previous experiences, but every club and every situation has its own reality. He came with a mission to accomplish, and so far he’s doing it extremely well,” Dia said.

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Dia added that Gattuso’s arrival had helped renew the squad’s mentality following a disappointing previous campaign.

The striker, who maintains contact with former teammates including Reda Belahyane and Tijjani Noslin, said he still follows Lazio’s matches and remains happy to see the club succeed.

“Yes, definitely. He’s showing it so far; what he’s doing is excellent,” he added.

Meanwhile, Dia is enjoying his return to Ligue 1 after five years away, having joined Rennes following his spell in Italian football.

He described the French league as having improved during his absence and welcomed the competition for places in Rennes’ attack, particularly alongside Esteban Lepaul.

JHM/AM