Martusciello feels Lazio had ‘aura of negativity’ against Udinese

Lazio assistant coach Giovanni Martusciello was dejected following the painful 2-1 defeat to an out-of-form Udinese, touching on the ‘aura of negativity’ present.

The Biancocelesti came into the match hungry to respond after their Champions League exit last week, but their issues in front of goal continued to plague them as a suspended Maurizio Sarri watched on from the stands.

Udinese took a 1-0 lead through Lorenzo Lucca just after the break but almost immediately conceded as Mattia Zaccagni forced an own goal from Lautaro Giannetti. They responded almost immediately through Oier Zarraga, taking a 2-1 advantage that they defended for the rest of the second half, securing just their fourth win of the term.

Speaking to DAZN via TMW, Martusciello first reacted to Lazio’s 2-1 defeat to Udinese.

“In the second half we took to the pitch with the same desire as in the first half, with the difference that we went behind after the first mistake.

“It’s clear that if they equalise straight away and then take the lead again it becomes tough, there’s an aura of negativity that made us pay dearly for every situation.

“You have to put on your heart and accept the right criticism, if there’s no enthusiasm it becomes really hard.”

He was asked about the defensive work of the midfielders and forwards in the Lazio system.

“If we take the goals conceded tonight as an example, we can’t be satisfied. In the defensive phase, however, I notice that everyone wants to make their contribution. Sometimes we do well, sometimes not.

“Maybe we lack the spirit of initiative. It was necessary to make an extra run to guarantee ourselves solidity. On Udinese’s first goal we were six or seven in the penalty area, which means that there was correct positioning but little focus.

“Compared to other teams, we mark the spaces in the penalty area well. We make mistakes being aggressive, it’s clear.”

The Lazio assistant coach explained why he took over Ciro Immobile and Luis Alberto in the second half.

“We wanted to introduce fresher players and increase the attacking pressure. Udinese made life difficult for us because they put so many players in the area. I don’t know if Immobile and Castellanos can play together.

“They are two central strikers, they step on each other’s toes and the conditions aren’t there. It takes time to improve certain situations. I’m not saying that they are poor, but that there is work to be done.”

Martusciello was asked why Lazio have declined so much this season.

“We are playing every four days and against teams of a certain level. In Turin we won despite many difficulties, then there was a lot of chasing between unfavourable situations and midweek games.

“There was no chance to regain energy, we get to games with a shortness of breath, especially on a mental level. The boys run, and a lot, but if you come from three defeats you risk causing confusion.”

Finally, Martusciello discussed the condition of Ivan Provedel, who went down with an ankle injury in the closing stages of the match.

“There’s nothing new, he felt pain in his ankle.”