Maurizio Sarri admits even towards the end of his second season, he still finds the Lazio attitude ‘inexplicable’ during their 2-2 draw with Lecce, which could see them drop down to fourth place.
The Biancocelesti had been comfortably clear in second behind runaway Scudetto winners Napoli, while being out of Europe and the Coppa Italia along with on paper an easier run-in than the others in the Champions League tussle.
However, they have won only one of the last five games, scraping a last-gasp 2-2 draw at home to Lecce last night.
“I am satisfied with large periods of the game, but two things I find inexplicable: the last 20 minutes of the first half and that throw-in,” Sarri told Sky Sport Italia.
“It felt clear we were going to concede a goal from that situation. I am happy with the reaction, but a pity that equaliser only arrived at the end.”
Ciro Immobile was back on target last night and Lecce missed a penalty at the Stadio Olimpico too.
“Every team has difficult spells and this is our turn. I saw some signs the team was waking up, as Immobile and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic are fundamental players for us. If these are the signs, they are encouraging.”
If Inter beat Sassuolo this evening, they will climb to 66 points, leaving Lazio in fourth place on 65.
Milan, Atalanta and Roma could all close the gap, putting the Biancocelesti’s Champions League qualification back into doubt.
“We have to play it point by point now,” added Sarri.
“In terms of dealing with the game management and being smart, this is what we are like. I thought we had got past this defect, but evidently that is not the case.
“Our approach in the second half was inexplicable and this aspect is making us drop valuable points. I was particularly angry ahead of the second goal, as a minute before that, I had told the players ‘we are just waiting for them the score.’
“I told the squad that these blackouts during a game are just unacceptable. On the other hand, we earned a point and must remember the positive aspects too.”
The final three rounds of the season for Lazio are away to Udinese, welcoming a revitalised Cremonese and then visiting practically-safe Empoli.