Sarri Admits Making Noslin ‘Fault’, Rants at Roma Derby Timing: “I Won’t Show Up”

Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri warned about taking a stance should the Lega Serie A officials schedule the Derby della Capitale at lunchtime.

The 67-year-old was pleased with his team’s last-gasp victory over Cremonese, but he took the opportunity to discuss what’s to come, including the Derby della Capitale.

Maurizio Sarri Outraged by Suggested Roma vs Lazio Time Slot

The manager was already irritated by the fixture’s early kickoff in September, but the organizers have a mind to adopt a similar time slot for the second edition, which will take place on May 17 due to security measures and the Italian Open (a tennis tournament held at the same sporting facility as the Stadio Olimpico).

Player Ratings: Cremonese 1-2 Lazio – Unplayable Noslin Steals the Show

In his post-match interview (via LazioNews24), Sarri threatened not to show up for any media commitments related to the Roman Derby.

The dates of the Italian Open have been known for two years, and the final rounds are supposed to be played simultaneously as well. If those who draw up the schedule at the league don’t understand that, they should resign immediately.

At the start of the season we played the derby in 37-degree heat, now they want us to play it in May at 12:30. It’s an insult to Rome, to both Roman clubs, to the fans, and someone has to be held accountable.

I hope they don’t make us play at that time—whoever even proposed it should go. I certainly won’t show up; I won’t do interviews in protest. I’ll go to the bench, then I’ll get up and leave. I’d like to ask the league why they didn’t schedule Inter–Milan at 12:30.

Lazio Substitutes Made the Difference Against Cremonese

Back to the match, Sarri believed that his substitutions played a decisive role in turning the result upside-down in the second half.

We started well, took control of the game with ease, even in building from the back. The first half was more organized than the second, but we lacked ruthlessness in the final 20 meters.

The substitutions gave us something different—we became ‘messier’, but also more dangerous.

Sarri Has Learned to Appreciate Tiijani Noslin

Speaking of substitutes, Tijjani Noslin was the ultimate star of the show, providing the assist for Gustav Isaksen’s equalizer, and scoring the late winner himself.

Sarri admitted he had initially struggled to comprehend the Dutchman’s role, which may have hindered the player’s chances at the start of the season.

Maybe it was partly my fault. I struggled to define him. He can play many roles but isn’t specialized in one; then I realized that in certain matches he can make the difference.

I think he’s a player who, depending on the phase of the match, can play as a central striker or out wide.

Noslin started his cameo as a centre-forward after replacing Daniel Maldini at half-time, before moving to the left wing following Boulaye Dia’s introduction.

Sarri Explains Nuno Tavares’ Growth

Aside from Noslin, Nuno Tavares was arguably the best Lazio player on the pitch. Sarri explained how he forced the Portuguese player to transform into a well-rounded left-back.

How did I work with him? I left him out. I told him I wanted a full-back who could push forward but also defend, not someone who could only attack. He responded with commitment and is having an outstanding second half of the season.

Rovella’s Return & Maldini’s Woes

The Lazio manager highlighted the importance of having Nicolo Rovella back at his disposal, while defending the struggling Maldini.

Rovella had a disastrous season—two operations, months without training. He’s not in optimal condition, but he can improve in these final games. When he plays, you realize how much he’s been missed.

I see Daniel as I always have: potentially very good, but then he gets lost in unnecessary things in the final third. He has every possible justification. It’s not an easy situation for him—he can’t reach peak physical condition, also because he hasn’t been training consistently.

Will Sarri Stay at Lazio?

Finally, Sarri suggested he has somewhat accomplished his objective for the season by helping develop a young group of players, while admitting that his fate will hinge on the club’s ambitions for next term and whether they’re willing to confirm the current core.

From the start of the season, the goal was to take a group with limited chances of competing for Europe and help it grow. It’s been a turbulent campaign, but the group has developed and now has a different level of substance.

Do I feel like continuing with them? It depends on whether this squad will still be here or not. That doesn’t depend on me, so I can’t say.