Manuel Lazzari underlined his happiness at Lazio, the impact of the mid-season break and his goals with the Italian national team.
Things looked tough for the Italian full back last season following the arrival of Maurizio Sarri, who was unsure if the natural wing back would be able to adapt to a more defensive role in a back four. Lazzari initially struggled before turning things around half way through the season, proving his qualities and earning his spot in the Lazio squad.
Speaking to Lazio’s media outlets (via TMW), Lazzari first discussed how he feels during this six-week World Cup break.
It’s really good in Rome, it’s the fourth year for me. Both my family and I get on well with the whole environment.
We hope to stay for a long time. Today I will go to Formello to continue my recovery. I’m 100% recovered but I’ll start training sooner.
He gave his thoughts on the mid-season break, brought on by the winter World Cup in Qatar.
This year is a bit abnormal because of the winter World Cup. We did a couple of months playing every three days, on a mental and physical level it takes away a lot of energy.
When we start again it will still be a question mark for everyone. The training camp that we will do will help us even more to enter into the coach’s mechanisms, we are full of energy in view of the return.
The 29-year-old discussed his desire to properly break into Roberto Mancini’s Italy squad.
Now we play with three, while we have switched to four. I’ve spoken about it with a few teammates, but I’m happy to have learnt a new role such as full-back. Sarri manages to make the most of everyone.
I think he has prolonged my career because playing full-back is less demanding than playing as a wing back in midfield.
The renewal came after just two meetings, I thank the club for their trust and I am delighted to be able to continue here. When you create the right harmony with the whole environment, it is very difficult to move to another team.
He spoke about his relationships with Felipe Anderson and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
We understand each other on the fly, also with Sergej. They are very strong and it’s great for me to be able to play with them.
I’m following the World Cup, I always watch Milinkovic-Savic and Vecino, who are our teammates. It’s bad not to see Italy in this competition.
Finally, Lazzari gave his thoughts on talented youngster Luka Romero.
He’s very young but he’ll grow a lot. In a few years he will be very strong, especially if he continues to train like this.
I say to the fans to have a bit of patience because there’s still more than a month to go. When we get back on the pitch we’ll try to make them happy in every way.
