Former coach Arrigo Sacchi analysed the blockbuster clash between Inter and Lazio, drawing attention to the Nerazzurri’s strengths and how they can face trouble in Rome.
The Nerazzurri have done well to maintain their momentum amidst the pressure from Massimiliano Allegri’s Juventus, and now can take a key step forward after their rivals dropped points to Genoa in a tense draw on Friday evening. Victory in Rome would give Inter a four-point lead at the top.
Whilst Lazio have been all over the place in Serie A this term, they have found more success in the Champions League, qualifying for the knockout stages after securing a second-place finish in their group. They’ll be keen to show a decisive response after a difficult few months.
Speaking on page five of today’s Gazzetta dello Sport, Sacchi first discussed the recent history behind Inter’s trips to Lazio.
“Let’s start with one fact: Inzaghi’s Inter have never won at Lazio. Now, if on the one hand this can be an advantageous point, on the other it makes me say, sooner or later, the trend will reverse.
“In any case, to win a challenge like this, Lazio must think about playing their game. Without calculations and without tactics.”
He felt that the Nerazzurri are clearly stronger on paper.
“Yes, just think that Lazio invested 30% of what the Nerazzurri invested. They lost a fundamental element like Milinkovic-Savic, and he wasn’t replaced. Immobile is a year older and is not always at his best. But Lazio can do the feat.”
The legendary ex-coach noted how Lazio could cause trouble for the league leaders.
“Possession of the ball. This is the key. Lazio must do like Real Sociedad in the Champions League, they dominated at San Siro and did not suffer the counterattack, which is the real weapon of Inzaghi’s team.
“The Spaniards, however, carried out good pressing, while Lazio usually do little pressing because they don’t have the right players. So, it is necessary to focus on the game, on the collective, on the movements, on the technical skills.”
Sacchi discussed the physical qualities of Inzaghi’s squad.
“The Nerazzurri are a Ferrari, from an athletic point of view. Lazio, on the other hand, are a Cinquecento. So, you shouldn’t fight the challenge on a physical level, you have to dribble, move, exchange roles, overlap, attack the spaces at the right times.
“Lazio are set up with the classic 4-3-3, speed in build-up and vertical play is needed. Of course, when you lose the ball, you should take a step forward to recover it, but Sarri’s boys are not used to this exercise.”
He spoke about the qualities of Luis Alberto and Felipe Anderson.
“As a left midfielder, he is an element who has the technical qualities to direct the match. He can score a goal himself, he can help a teammate score. If he then sacrificed himself in the pressing phase, it would be the best.
“But I’m also banking on Felipe Anderson, he has technique to spare. My friend Sarri is very good because he knows how to bring out the best in players who have limitations.”
The former coach gave Lazio some advice to help contain Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram.
“Never leaving the defenders in one-on-one situations. They need to double up, focus on the marking, stay compact so that those two never start off at speed. Inter are focusing a lot on counterattacks, they need to anticipate their intentions.
“In the defensive phase Lazio are not always perfect, but with the right protection from the midfielders even the central pair can get by. It’s clear that Lazio will have to put in a perfect performance and hope that Inter insist on just one offensive solution, counterattacking.”
He was asked if he’d line up Lazio to play with a high defensive line.
“Lazio’s defenders are not very fast, you have to be careful. The priority is not to give space to Inter’s attackers, but without exaggerating.
“I repeat: Inter are superior technically and physically. Lazio can be superior in only one fundamental aspect: collective play. So it is in that direction that they must strike.”
Finally, Sacchi discussed the psychological preparation for a match like this.
“Stimulating the players and raising the level of their motivation. We need to make them understand that the undertaking, if they want, is possible. However, a great spirit of sacrifice is needed.
“And everyone needs to give their heart and be willing to help each other. If Inter can win through individual play, Lazio can only do so by demonstrating that they are a collective.”