Maurizio Sarri suggested that Lazio showed ‘one of the best performances of the season’ in the first half of their 2-0 win over Sassuolo.
The Biancocelesti were on fire in the opening stages of the clash at the Stadio Olimpico, scoring a disallowed goal in the first 10 minutes and taking a 1-0 lead after 14 minutes, overwhelming Alessio Dionisi’s side.
Sassuolo began to grow into the match after this and started to put pressure on Lazio, who held firm and closed out the win with a late goal from Toma Basic, securing all three points in a tough but must-win clash.
Speaking in a press conference (via TMW), Sarri first gave his thoughts on Lazio’s 2-0 win over Sassuolo.
We suffered after 30 or 35 minutes of high-level play, one of the best performances of the season. Unfortunately, we arrived at the end of the first half with only a one-goal lead against a team good at dribbling, we remained focused and managed the end well.
The Italian coach spoke about captain Ciro Immobile and his frustration after being taken off the pitch.
I haven’t spoken to him, I’m playing Ciro to get him back in condition because we need him at 100%. Right now, he can’t be, of course he can’t play 90 minutes three times in a week.
He was asked about Lazio’s chances in the cups next season and if they could do better than they did this campaign.
I think rotations can do us good, then there are rotations and rotations. At the back I can give consistency, we will need to do it up front because there it’s always important to have the energy. In that department we are honestly a bit short.
Sarri touched on the secrets behind Lazio’s strong defence this season.
We had signed so many last year that it was enough for us. This year we have signed defenders more suited to our characteristics, the whole team has grown in this aspect.
He commented on how he feels watching Napoli gear up for their first Scudetto in 33 years.
I’m happy because as a child I was a Napoli fan and it gives me a taste, a minimum of glee is there because I would have liked to get there.
Finally, Sarri was asked about the idea of him guiding Lazio to a Scudetto.
It’ll be a long time, we’ll see if I manage to coach enough.
