Born in
Bern, Gottardi began his career in Switzerland with
BSC Young Boys. After joining Italian club
Lazio in 1995 from Swiss side
Neuchâtel Xamax FCS, Gottardi was often used as a "supersub" and was instrumental in Lazio's
1997–98 Coppa Italia victory. With Lazio losing 2–0 on aggregate, Gottardi came off the bench to win a penalty, and then score before
Alessandro Nesta's winner gave Lazio a 3–2 aggregate victory over
AC Milan in the
final. Gottardi is also remembered for an outstanding performance against
cross-city rivals Roma when he scored in the final minute of their second leg
Coppa Italia clash, giving Lazio their third consecutive win against their arch rivals in the 1998–99 season. ==Honours==