Maurizio Sarri concedes Lazio ‘let our heads drop’ after a Roma goal in the opening minute and never recovered, finding the attitude of his players ‘frankly perplexing.’
The Biancocelesti had won 3-2 earlier in the season and had bragging rights, but this was a double whammy, as they were beaten 3-0 tonight and Roma overtook them in the Serie A table into fifth place awaiting Atalanta’s game.
Sarri’s men had won five of their previous eight Serie A matches and were well-rested throughout the week, whereas the Giallorossi played Vitesse in the Conference League on Thursday.
It all pointed towards Lazio being the favourites, yet they were never really in the game, hardly testing Rui Patricio after Tammy Abraham’s goal in the opening minute.
Serie A | Roma 3-0 Lazio: Abraham and Pellegrini dominate Rome Derby
“The approach was non-existent. We conceded within a minute, so that knocked the wind out of us and we didn’t have the strength to stay in the game. Our heads dropped straight away and that took us to defeat,” Sarri told DAZN.
“I am sorry for our fans, as they care so much about this game and losing it like this is not good.
“I think we let the anxiety get the better of us, as we misplaced passes we don’t usually get wrong. Our minds evaporated, we had 90 minutes to get it back on track, but didn’t keep our cool to do that.”
Can Lazio shake off this devastating defeat, especially after elimination from Europe and the Coppa Italia too?
“Usually this team reacts after a setback, so that has to give us optimism, but this defeat is frankly perplexing.”
Bryan Cristante’s cross-field passes caused many problems for Lazio, including a chance that Abraham should’ve converted for a hat-trick.
“Tactical difficulties in this match were hardly the most important thing. The pilot light was off. The team didn’t have the strength to react, was losing the ball in banal fashion, allowing counter-attacks, and it was all caused by our state of mind at that moment.”
What are Lazio missing before they can close on the top four Serie A sides?
“These are not things to be considered right now. Clearly, we are lacking something, but I will tell the club what we need. I have to protect the players I have at this moment.”
Sarri has said several times this season that Lazio performances surprised him after training sessions that had seemed positive.
“Yes, this team unfortunately does surprise us in unexpected moments. It doesn’t happen as often as at the start of the season, but it still happens and tonight was a surprise.
“The derby is special, I doubt many cities in Europe share the atmosphere and the build-up of the Rome Derby. It might also be limiting for the clubs, because Roman sides should be aiming for more than just winning the derby.
“Playing it is tragic in our case tonight, but also wonderful.”
A dream start for Roma ✨
Tammy Abraham scrambles the ball over the line for an incredible start to the Derby 🟡🔴 pic.twitter.com/BTKaJHPnko
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 20, 2022
Simply a shambles from the owners to the pitch! Sarri is best off out, I can’t see him fixing this mess!