Manuel Lazzari assures he is ‘enjoying’ his football under new Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri and is ready to become a right-back for Italy as well.
It’s a complete change of tactics from predecessor Simone Inzaghi, who stuck to the 3-5-2 formation for five years.
“The coach has brought a breath of fresh air with his change of system, we are fired up and happy,” Lazzari told Lazio Style Channel from their pre-season training camp.
“This is my third season at Lazio, but obviously it’s completely different now, even in the fitness work that we do. There’s a lot to learn about the four-man defence, but I heard so many people saying I wasn’t capable of being a full-back. I didn’t listen.
“I am happy that Sarri has arrived and want to challenge myself, just as I did with Italy and at SPAL. I’m enjoying myself and can’t wait to have a season in a four-man defence, to learn a new role.”
It’s no secret that Roberto Mancini was one of those who snubbed Lazzari for the UEFA EURO 2020 squad because he has no experience in a 4-3-3 formation.
“I realise that by playing in a four-man defence, I will also have a better chance of getting called up to the national team. It depends on me and how I do with Lazio.”
If that fails, there is another potential role for Lazzari in the 4-3-3, namely wide right in the trident attack.
“I don’t think that’s in my wheelhouse. I spoke to the coach about that and he agrees with me, as I need to attack the space.
“I can’t wait, as the fans expect a lot from this Lazio. We’ll play a different type of football, entertaining and attack-minded. The quicker we adapt to Sarri’s ideas, the quicker we’ll start to really enjoy our football.”