Maurizio Sarri could not hide his disappointment after Lazio’s 2-0 loss to Milan, highlighting how the team have less to work with compared to their top four rivals.
The Biancocelesti were outclassed by the Rossoneri in San Siro, conceding two early goals from Ismael Bennacer and Theo Hernandez in the first 30 minutes, leaving them on the back foot for the rest of the match in Lombardy.
Despite Lazio’s efforts, they were unable to show their best in the final third and couldn’t even claw one back, slumping to a miserable 2-0 loss at a crucial stage of the season. The defeat keep the top four race tense and puts pressure on the team to bounce back with a win as soon as possible.
Speaking in a press conference (via TMW), Sarri first discussed if Lazio surrendered from the start against Milan.
No. In the 29th minute we went down 2-0 without the game ever really taking off, they were doing very little without creating any danger for us. The 2-0 was very occasional, a mistake on our part and a deflected shot.
After that Milan deserved the win, not in the first 29 minutes. We gave it away without reacting with conviction, except in the last five minutes of the second half. That was the problem today.
I don’t think we came in drained. By chance we found ourselves 2-0 down without the game having started and this affected us.
He was asked who was better between Milan and Inter.
Inter were below us, Milan were ahead. The visual sensation is that Inter are better. But it’s just a feeling, maybe Milan in the second half only thought about Inter.
He gave his thoughts on the top four race this season.
The table is very tight. I’d have a crazy team if I thought we were already in the Champions League. There are four games in which to give everything and perhaps more than everything.
The Lazio coach spoke about the errors that led to Bennacer’s opener.
Casale’s ball wasn’t great, but neither was Marcos’ clearance. Things that can happen, maybe other referees will call those challenges…. Then when you score from behind, they write that you score on the counter-attack.
Sarri was asked if he was worried following the defeat.
I’m not worried or calm, we need to be focused here. We’re not in a great moment mentally, but let’s see if we can make them perform more than they do at the moment.
Finally, Sarri was asked what Lazio lack compared to Milan and Inter.
We beat them this season. They have two squads stronger than ours. Then we lack something to be equal with these teams. The league table says something different, but this is the reality.
