Maurizio Sarri analyses why Lazio have conceded so many goals this season after the 4-3 win away to Spezia and denies reports his future depends on European qualification.
The Biancocelesti showed impressive determination to fight back three times from a goal down to equalise, then snatch the winner for 4-3 in the final minute with Francesco Acerbi.
However, the defending was slack and there have to be concerns that twice Lazio conceded within 90 seconds of having drawn level.
It is an important result that allows them to keep their European dreams alive, and fitting that Acerbi should score the winner after a week of controversy and insults from fans who blamed him for the stoppage-time defeat to Milan.
Serie A | Spezia 3-4 Lazio: Acerbi snatches seven-goal thriller
“I think we played a very good game, we created many chances, but also unfortunately made mistakes that kept the game in the balance,” Sarri told Sky Sport Italia.
“We went behind three times and never lost our organisation, so that is positive, but if you make errors like that then it becomes difficult to get a result against opponents of a higher level.
“This evening one of the counter-attacks was basically one we started ourselves with a back-pass, the other two were from set plays. We made mistakes, these were not tactical situations at fault. To be honest, I would prefer to concede fewer goals. It was a mix of transforming the defensive system entirely and many individual errors.”
Acerbi was able to get the winner after a chaotic week that saw him receive many insults and even threats from Lazio fans who want him out of the club.
The ultras have been demanding his exit all season and the issue reached fever point after he was blamed for the last-gasp Milan winner.
“It is disappointing that this situation exists, because Acerbi gives his all in training every day. He might be more on form or off at certain times, but you cannot doubt his effort or work ethic. He’s scored quite a few goals too for a defender, so I think he’s doing well.”
Sarri, who does not use social media, was asked how Lazio and football in general can prevent this sort of pile-on from affecting players.
“The only way to protect him is to talk about it as little as possible and show him nothing has changed within the squad. I hope it is just a passing protest and that it will blow over.”
Lazio have scored more goals than last season and conceded only a couple more, so the difference from Simone Inzaghi’s side is entirely in three matches that were drawn rather than won.
“I think this season is tougher than last year, as the level of the mid-table sides has improved. We might not have top teams in the Champions League, but if you see overall, there are some very interesting clubs in the middle of the pack.”
Sarri was asked about the reports his future at Lazio depends on their qualification for one of the European competitions and replied in typical forthright fashion.
“From what I discussed with the President, that seems like absolute garbage. We did not debate anything to do with that. We’ve had a lot of problems, I thought we would resolve them quicker, but the team is now decidedly improving.”
Now that is how you capitalise on a mistake! 💫
Excellent finish from Spezia’s Kevin Agudelo.
Calamitous defending once again from Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio. pic.twitter.com/urHoDpHFYe
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 30, 2022