Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri fired a new attack on club president Claudio Lotito, as the team continues to play at a virtually empty stadium.
Lazio Hosted Udinese in Front of a Meager Crowd
This was the case once more on Monday evening when the Biancocelesti hosted Udinese in the final fixture of Serie A Matchday 34. The two sides played out a thrilling back-and-forth contest that ended in a 3-3 draw. However, the occasion was ruined by the lack of supporters in the stands due to the ongoing fan protest against the increasingly unpopular president.
Maurizio Sarri Points the Finger at Claudio Lotito for Lazio Fan Debacle
In his post-match interview with DAZN (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Sarri blamed Lotito and his stubborn stance for the unpleasant situation.
You should ask the president. He’s sticking to his guns. It’s clear he won’t be swayed by anyone. I don’t even know how it can be sorted out at the moment, but honestly, playing like this is starting to get depressing. After two or three months, it really begins to weigh on you. It’s not sustainable in the long run.
I don’t know who will have the strength to fix it. I’m worried. it’s not enjoyable playing with 5,000 people in a 70,000-seat stadium, even if those who come still manage to support us. I spoke to the players after the warm-up, and they were a bit down about the situation too. It’s a situation that’s costing us points, even if I can’t say how many.
It should be noted that the organized fan groups will attend the Coppa Italia final against Inter Milan on May 13, but will skip the Derby della Capitale against Roma the following weekend.
Lazio Were Too Exhausted Against Udinese
In the post-match press conference (via Il Messaggero), Sarri felt that his players were too tired following the 120 minutes played at Bergamo in the Coppa Italia semi-final on Wednesday, while reiterating that the club’s campaign has been hampered by injuries and refereeing mistakes.
We came in with our physical and mental energy at rock bottom; we only started playing after half an hour. We paid for the physical gap in terms of speed and size. But the real problem was failing to score the 3–1 (through Dele-Bashiru), because in the end we had nothing left and lost every duel. Still, I’ll take the great reaction from my team.
We are a team that’s growing. We’ve had a lot of injuries that have cost us points, just like refereeing errors. I can’t quantify them, but I’m certain of it. We’re playing with a thin squad. All these factors could have led to a different position in the table.
Sarri Reveals Danilo Cataldi Injury
Finally, Sarri provided positive updates on Mario Gila and Mattia Zaccagni, but fears Danilo Cataldi could be out for a while.
Within a few days, both Gila and Zaccagni could be back. Mario’s injury comes down to this ankle hematoma, because tests didn’t show any lesions. For Mattia it’s just overload after the 103 minutes he played against Atalanta. Speaking with the doctor, they seem like two manageable issues.
Cataldi has a bit more of a problem; we’ll see if there’s a chance to recover him.
We would really need Cataldi vs Inter, but Patric will be OK defensively without offering much in attack.
What about Rovella? I saw his name was on the list of the players on the bench vs Udine so he isn’t injured anymore I suppose? Maybe give him 5-10 minutes when we face next Monday Cremonese and another 25/30 vs Inter in the league and hopefully he could start in the cup match? Is there any chance for this outcome ?
I agree. No Cataldi against Inter is a big loss.
Rovella would be a blessing, but his form will be rusty, especially covering the 5 midfielder formation that Inter plays.
Patric may be the right play here regardless. Inter’s defense is shaky at best, and Patric operates as a pseudo CB. If Lazio can absorb the attacking pressure, and work a strong counter attack down the left with Nuno/Zaccagni, they may be able to capitalize.
We have 2 weeks and 2 matches before the final and Rovella was already on the bench vs Udinese. I would say he can work up some form in these 2 and play at least the 2nd half of the cup final. That would already be great just hopefully we don’t go down before he comes on.
Zaccagni hasn’t turned up this season …massive disappointment