Lazio director Angelo Maria Fabiani discusses Maurizio Sarri’s criticism of the transfer strategy and the Ciro Immobile controversy. ‘I wouldn’t make a drama out of it.’
It kicks off at the De Kuip Stadion in Rotterdam at 17.45 UK time (16.45 GMT).
There are five changes to the side, including the return of Ciro Immobile from injury, and this represents far more squad rotation than Sarri had even dared last year.
Nicolò Rovella is picked ahead of Mateo Guendouzi and Daichi Kamada, making his career debut in the Champions League, what’s more from the opening minute.
“Objectively, that means those who are on the bench are valid and important players who can give their contribution when called upon,” Fabiani told Sky Sport Italia.
“That was the target we had set with the President and coach, to broaden the squad and also perhaps lower the average age of the group.”
While Sarri was pleased with the new signings, he was also openly irritated that they largely came so late in the summer and for the most part missed the entire pre-season training camp. Did this strategy lose Lazio points at the start of the campaign?
“The transfer market is like a merry-go-round. When Guendouzi arrived at Lazio, he played from the start a week later. I don’t think it is fair to say they arrived late,” replied Fabiani.
“It is different to say that obviously if a player arrives after the pre-season training camp, he needs a little more time to get into shape, settle and get a good idea of Sarri’s tactics. I wouldn’t make a drama out of it.
“I will also say that many agents wait to move their players until the final days of the transfer window, perhaps because they have other ideas in mind.”
Immobile had also been linked with the exit towards the Saudi Pro League and confessed last week he was not sure he had made the right decision by turning them down.
This caused a firestorm in the media and the captain had to clarify he had no regrets.
“At times you need to look at how certain comments are reported, because it’s one thing on video when you can see the facial expression and tone of someone saying if Saudi Arabia offer €200m then I’d certainly think about it, quite another when they are reported on paper,” concluded Fabiani.
“Ciro loves the club, he made history and will certainly continue to make it. He is the captain of this team and if we are here today playing in the Champions League, it is thanks to him and his teammates.”