Maurizio Sarri warns Lazio will fail if they try to play for a draw against Feyenoord, but also vents fury at the change of Dutch schedules to prepare for this Europa League clash. ‘They’re taking the mickey out of us, Sturm Graz and Midtjylland.’
It kicks off on Thursday in Rotterdam at 17.45 GMT.
This group remains extremely tight, with only three points separating Lazio and Sturm Graz from Feyenoord and Midtjylland.
It could ultimately all go down to head-to-head record or even goal difference.
Lazio need at least a point to be confirmed in the top two and can win the group as long as Sturm Graz don’t get a better result.
“Those who play must give 101 per cent of their capabilities,” warned Sarri in his press conference when asked if he’d be content with a draw.
“If you don’t attack games, then you get attacked. We already made a right mess of the first leg with Feyenoord, let’s not dare do it again.”
They beat Feyenoord 4-2 in the opening fixture, but had been leading 4-0 before the late comeback.
“We do care about the Europa League and our group is a similar level to that of Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League, just as balanced too, so expect ups and downs to the last minute. We mustn’t try to make calculations, we will go out there to win the game and the group, then we’ll see.
“I you step onto the field trying to go for a 0-0, you’ll get nowhere, especially in a fiery atmosphere like this.”
Lazio are distracted by the upcoming Derby della Capitale and still fuming after the shock 3-1 home defeat to Salernitana in Serie A, ruined also by Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s yellow card, meaning he’ll be suspended against Roma.
“I was furious for the first two days of the week, because you cannot lose a game because you lose your heads. Once we conceded the equaliser, we should’ve continued playing our game. Instead, we stopped being a team and started working as individuals, so the balance was lost.
“Milinkovic is the first player in the history of football to be booked while in possession.”
Sarri was also furious with UEFA for allowing Feyenoord to postpone their domestic league game in order to be better rested for this Europa League clash.
“We do feel like they’re taking the mickey, not just out of us, but out of Sturm Graz and Midtjylland too. It’s shameful, they knew full well this match was scheduled.”
The Eredivisie Week 12 game with SC Cambuur was moved to November 10, meaning Feyenoord have not played a competitive match since their 1-0 defeat to Sturm Graz on October 27.