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Former Italy boss Rino Gattuso's tenure as Lazio coach didn't get off to a good start as the Biancocelesti lost 2-0 to Serie B side Mantova in their first competitive match, bowing out of the Italian Cup at the Olimpico Sunday night. Lazio were beaten by goals from Francesco Ruocco, who was ready to tap in from the left with a 15-minute assist, and then from Ismael Cajazzo, who rounded off the scoreline with a late strike into an empty net, sending the Lombardy side through to the round of 32 against the winner of the Palermo-Lecce match. Gattuso was without Romagnoli, who was suffering from fatigue, as well as Tavares, Isaksen, Cataldi, Gigot, and Patric. Yet Lazio had immediate chances to take the lead with Dele-Bashiru and then Dia, both of whom failed to convert. Mantua refused to play sparring partner and had a couple of chances, but the first half ended 0-0. In the second half, Gattuso attempted to shake up a sluggish Lazio with substitutions, but in the 75th minute, Ruocco put Mantua ahead. Cajazzo then doubled the lead in stoppage time, driving a shot into the empty net to eliminate Lazio, who were forced to abandon what could have been their only real objective of the season and leave the pitch amid boos from the few spectators in attendance at the Olimpico. Former Italy and Milan midfield spoiler Gattuso took the Biancocelesti job after failing to lead Italy to the World Cup, as the Azzurri set a record as the only former world champions to miss out on three straight World Cups. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA