Alessio Romagnoli reveals how he felt both ‘disappointed and relieved’ when Lazio beat his Roma in the Coppa Italia Final, why he left Milan and relishing Maurizio Sarri’s ‘maniacal’ attention to detail.
The centre-back has never disguised that he grew up a supporter of the Biancocelesti, even when he was playing for their rivals Roma, so when the opportunity arose to join them as a free agent, he leapt at it.
“It was always a thought of mine and a desire to come here. With my situation at the time, being out of contract, I thought it was the right time,” Romagnoli told cittaceleste.it.
It was particularly awkward for him to play for Roma in that famous Coppa Italia Final in May 2013, which was won by Lazio.
“It was a strange game. As a professional, I was disappointed for the result, but at the same time, my favourite team won, so I felt a little bit relieved too.”
“As for why my Milan contract was not extended, you’d have to ask the directors of the club at the time and not me. I did not feel abandoned, but I did have an agreement with them and they made different choices. I was at Milan for seven years, it was a lovely period of my life, so I can only speak highly of Milan.”
Sarri has been highly critical of many elements of life at Lazio, including the state of the pitch at the Stadio Olimpico.
“The turf is something that needs to be worked on, because it is difficult for anyone playing on it, but above all for us with our style of football. It makes it difficult to put on a show for the fans,” agreed Romagnoli.
“I think Sarri is the best coach that I have ever worked with and I was curious to see how he would work with the defensive line. I don’t forget the other coaches either, they were all excellent and had their own characteristics. What impresses me the most about Sarri is that he has this maniacal interest in the details and has concepts with the ball that I really like.”