Maurizio Sarri explains his midfield choices against Sassuolo and insists any talk of Lazio targeting the top four is premature. ‘We are a team under construction.’
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The Aquile are without suspended Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and injured Luis Alberto after Thursday’s Europa League draw with Galatasaray.
“Playing Thursday night is not easy, but this is the situation. We must find the strength to recharge, both mentally and physically. If there is any fatigue, it can only be physical, otherwise it’s an alibi,” Sarri told DAZN.
Instead, Danilo Cataldi, Toma Basic and Jean-Daniel Akpa-Akpro form the middle three in his 4-3-3 formation.
“This is a midfield that has never played together this season, but we have a little more dynamism and quality.”
Sarri was asked if Lazio still believe they can finish in the top four and take a Champions League spot this season.
“At this moment, I am not interested. We are a team under construction, we will take it one day at a time. Once we are able to express ourselves at 100 per cent, then we’ll see what we can achieve, but we are nowhere near 100 per cent.”