Maurizio Sarri was feeling positive after Lazio’s confident 3-0 win over Spezia, highlighting the team’s growth in mentality and ability to stay focused.
The Biancocelesti had a slow start in the clash with the Aquilotti at the Stadio Alberto Picco, but eventually grew into the match and took a 1-0 lead after Ciro Immobile calmly dispatched a penalty.
Felipe Anderson doubled Lazio’s advantage in the 52nd minute after a quick attacking move, and Marcos Antonio closed out the victory with a beautiful solo goal in the dying minutes of the match.
Speaking to Sky Sports Italia (via TMW) after the match, Sarri first reacted to Lazio’s win over Spezia and what he saw in the match.
The second goal was beautiful, but at a certain point I was worried because no one was shooting at goal.
I’m also happy for Marcos Antonio, who is a top player, I’m having a hard time fitting him into our midfield because we have very offensive characteristics and so at times we need physicality, but if anyone comes to watch the training sessions it’s a spectacle when we play tight games.
We’ve been aiming to become less cocky and less superficial for a long time. The ability to stay on the ball in difficult moments has grown considerably, but in the first seven or eight minutes I was afraid that we took the game a bit too lightly.
He reflected on his team’s slow start to the match.
We found a particular environment and size of the pitch, then the opposing team was aggressive. They put us in trouble especially in the first ten minutes, then we came out on the dribble and took it back in hand.
The Italian coach commented on the Biancocelesti’s quick attacking movements.
We are satisfied because the team has developed positively, but between satisfaction and fulfilment there is a difference.
It would be a mistake to think that it is easy to get to the finish line, you have to stay focused, satisfaction only comes with the goal.
He was asked how much it would mean to him if Lazio finished second this season.
Everyone forgets that I’ve also been promoted seven times in the lower divisions, it’s not always the media dimension of the event that corresponds to internal satisfaction.
I have also had satisfaction in Serie B, Serie C and Serie D. Being born in Naples, a bit of superstition has remained with me, and I won’t give the answer.
Finally, Sarri discussed Lazio’s mental growth and his happiness working with the squad.
I’m back to enjoying myself during the week. The team is doing well in matches, but especially in training, I’ve seen a remarkable change in mentality. The fact that I’m back to having fun I can also pass on to the players.
There are players who are growing in an important way. If you look at the league table from nine games ago, it’s completely different from where we are now, we have to stay focused on the goal, without looking at our current position.
