Sarri: ‘Consistency has always been Lazio problem’

Maurizio Sarri explains his match-winning changes against Inter and warns Lazio ‘are capable of beating anyone on the day, but our problem has always been consistency.’

The Biancocelesti are still unbeaten this term and is temporarily top of the table after this 3-1 victory over the title contenders.

Felipe Anderson’s free header on a Sergej Milinkovic-Savic assist had put them in front, cancelled out by Lautaro Martinez.

Sarri made the right substitutions, as both Luis Alberto and Pedro were on target to secure the three points at the Stadio Olimpico.

“We’ve been sending some good signals lately, as we go through periods of being under pressure without actually risking much at the back,” the coach told DAZN.

“This team has gained in solidity and organisation, so we are capable of beating anyone on the day, but our problem has always been consistency. Now we need to follow this, ride the wave and not think it’ll be any easier against different opponents.

“The issue has always been one of mentality. If there are a few players who feel fatigue or tension, that spreads even to those who haven’t played as much and ought to be fresh. That’s what we need to work on.”

This game was won and lost with the substitutions, as Pedro and Luis Alberto changed the momentum not only with their goals.

“I saw the intensity levels of the Inter midfield starting to drop and thought we could risk two less physically powerful, but more technically gifted players,” explained Sarri.

“Luis Alberto came on with visible determination, I am happy with the goal, but I had already told him in the cooling break that he had absolutely the right attitude.

“I was surprised that Danilo Cataldi kept his intensity going beyond the hour mark, he only asked me for a substitution at the end.”