Lazio has started a remarkable championship challenge by putting together their finest opening to a Serie A campaign during a truly bizarre season.

The Roman squad sits at the summit of the Serie A standings, holding a three-point lead over reigning champions Inter Milan after securing nine victories in their initial eight matches.

This success comes despite a complete breakdown in relations between controversial president Claudio Lotito and supporters who accuse the club chief of failing to invest adequately, particularly within the transfer market since 2023.

According to John Foot's book 'Calcio', Lotito's attempts to strip away some control from ultras regarding tickets and merchandise also fueled their bitter dispute.

Goal reports that tensions reached a breaking point, prompting fans to boycott every home fixture at the Olimpico this term in a firm bid to drive out the unpopular boss.

Thousands of followers declined to renew season tickets, costing the club millions in revenue.

When the campaign opened in August, just over 5,000 people attended the Coppa Italia fixture against Mantova, nearly half of whom were visiting supporters, ending in a shock elimination.

The 2026/27 start proved so dismal that some Roma supporters even sneaked into home sections to mock their arch-rivals.

Supporters maintained their embargo, forcing the team to play matches against Genoa, AC Milan, Monza and Parma before vast empty seats at the 70,634-capacity arena.

However, the spectator ban does not apply to away fixtures.

Consequently, loyal fans continue filling the visitor sections for every match outside Rome.

They consistently turn opposing grounds into mini versions of the Olimpico, drowning out the home crowds with loud chants, flares and smoke bombs.

The squad has delivered despite their early Coppa Italia exit against a Serie B side, mounting an even stronger start than their last Serie A winning campaign in 2000.

Adding to the oddity, this thrilling run is guided by manager Gennaro Gattuso.

Gattuso, 48, previously struggled in management following his playing days despite spells with Milan, Napoli, Fiorentina, Valencia and Marseille.

His career hit a low point in April when he resigned as Italy manager after missing out on the 2026 World Cup following a play-off loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Now, the Italian coach appears to be staging a strong comeback that could secure a return to European competition following a ninth-place finish last term.

Even these stellar results have not mended the rift with Lotito, 69.

Authorities opened an investigation into attempts to alter the club's ownership, with the president telling prosecutors that political tensions drive the fan hostility.

The club supremo stated that the ongoing feud generated so much danger that he receives 5,000 threatening phone calls every day.

Because of this, the politician decided to carry two firearms for protection and has even fired one on a single occasion.

Lotito said, 'For a long time I went around armed with two pistols, one in the front and one in the back. An automatic and a Smith and Wesson.' He added, 'One was even useful once, it saved me. There are elements of politics that are working against me. I get 5,000 threatening phone calls a day. I'm not joking. In life, I'm a fighter, never a survivor. I'm against abuse.'

Lotito has no intention of selling the club and defends his tenure since taking over in 2004, which includes four Coppa Italia trophies, three Super Cups and a second-place finish in Serie A.

In May, the entrepreneur criticized supporters during an explicit rant, describing some fans with vulgar language.

Lotito also claimed the boycotting fans used him as a scapegoat for player performances, alleging certain team members panic when stepping onto the pitch.

Meanwhile, supporters issued a statement declaring 'IT'S TOO LATE NOW!', indicating they will persist with their protest regardless of the team's on-field success.