Maurizio Sarri was positive after Lazio’s difficult 2-1 comeback win over Bologna in their season opener yesterday, drawing attention to his squad’s strong performance.
The Biancocelesti’s match got off to a disastrous start after new signing Luis Maximiano received a red card only six minutes into his competitive debut for handling the ball outside his penalty area. Despite suffering both a goal and man disadvantage against Bologna, Lazio pushed hard and eventually pulled off the comeback in front of their home fans, securing all three points.
Speaking in a press conference after the match (via LazioNews24), Sarri first reacted to Lazio’s performance in their 2-1 win over Bologna.
The match was difficult, it seemed like one of those matches where everything goes against you. My concern was playing the whole game in this climate.
I’m satisfied with how the team held up at a physical level, but also on a tactical and character level. We managed to turn the game around at the first useful moment.
He explained why he appeared so frustrated during the match on the Stadio Olimpico touchline.
I protested throughout the match and also rightly so. I won’t go into the specifics of the decisions but I didn’t like the conduct of the match.
The Italian coach spoke highly about the substitutes in the match and what they brought to the game.
The substitutes were all of a high standard. Provedel entered very well, Luis Alberto put himself in a role that isn’t his and put himself in front of the defence and he did it very well.
Hysaj I saw him in great growth, Vecino good but I know he can do even more. Cancellieri really surprised me a lot.
Sarri explained why Matteo Cancellieri surprised him and what he expects from the talented youngster.
Cancellieri is on a path to do another role as well, now we can’t ask him for everything right away. If he comes on like today, he can do very well as a centre forward.
On a movement level he has a very good innate depth attack. Let’s see and then decide whether he will play the wing or as a centre forward.
He touched on Lazio’s ability to overcome their disadvantage to secure the win, and their history doing that.
Last year in the list of comebacks we were one of the best teams. Then with character like today I have rarely seen. Now let’s see if consistently we are lions today and comeback cats tomorrow.
The Lazio coach gave his thoughts on Alessio Romagnoli’s competitive debut with the club.
Romagnoli ended the match with some fatigue and that was normal. I like him because he is intelligent, he has important readings and this makes up for a small lack of speed.
For me he will become a reference point in this defence.
Finally, Sarri briefly commented on Maximiano’s disastrous mistake.
It’s useless to talk to Maximiano right now, as soon as we entered the locker room he apologised to everyone.
It’s a mistake and it can happen, we have to accept it. Future choices will not be based on a single mistake.
