Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri was frustrated with the result following the 3-3 draw against Empoli today.
Speaking in an interview with Italian radio broadcaster Lazio Style Radio (via LazioNews24) after the game, the 62-year-old Italian coach discussed the performance in the draw.
This result doesn’t satisfy us, because we had a quality performance. We created a lot, but if at 10 minutes you’re down by two goals something went wrong. I’m happy for the reaction and the character.
The second half was of a high standard. But then we have to evaluate other aspects, like the first minutes and the third goal. But these performances can’t end with a draw.
Sarri discussed the individual talking points in the game.
Honestly I had the feeling that Patric scored it with his side, but you have to trust VAR. I think it’s strange that they didn’t look at the Zaccagni incident again. We were penalised by some moments, but we reacted well.
However, we have to do something more from the point of view of attention and activation. We need to have more balance, because we’re improving a lot in terms of quality.
The Lazio coach talked about the performance of Italian winger Mattia Zaccagni, who came on as a substitute in the second half.
He’s a player who’s becoming important and who has confidence. We’re in a good position in that department and we’re very competitive.
He spoke about the Biancocelesti’s defensive shortcomings.
The first goal came from a lack of attention, while the third was as if the defence was passive. Luiz Felipe was booked and maybe he got scared.
But these are situations that are repeated. We’re the worst in Serie A in one-on-one defensive situations. There’s no doubt that we have to improve.
Finally, Sarri gave his thoughts on Lazio’s growth since his arrival last summer.
For me the glass is beginning to be full in terms of the quality of the game we’re able to express. In the last few games we’ve created a lot.
But I can’t think about other things, because there is a lot of room for improvement.
Lazio’s draw means that they still sit 8th in the Serie A table, six points ahead 4th place Atalanta. Whilst the team are supposedly aiming for Champions League qualification, that seems all but impossible to reach at this stage, with a shaky defence undermining the team’s good attacking play.
The Biancocelesti’s next game is away to Simone Inzaghi’s Inter on Sunday evening.