Maurizio Sarri acknowledges Lazio ‘gave up’ as soon as they went 2-0 down against Milan and is ‘worried’ about their mental strength.
Not for the first time this season, the Biancocelesti seemed remarkably sluggish and almost disinterested, failing to get a single shot on target at San Siro.
Ismael Bennacer opened the scoring after robbing Marcos Antonio with a high press, then Theo Hernandez ran from one penalty area to the other for 2-0.
“The only regret is that we found ourselves 2-0 down in 20 minutes without even really starting the game,” Sarri told DAZN.
“I don’t think a single shot on target had come from either side before then. It weighed on us, we should’ve done more, instead my team looked like it had no belief except for the last seven or eight minutes.”
Rafael Leao had limped off just 11 minutes in with an adductor issue, so robbing the Rossoneri of their best player, but still Mike Maignan was never tested.
“In fitness terms, we are top in every available criterion. At half-time, I saw a team that mentally had no confidence, that was giving up. I am worried about this, more than the physical aspects.”
There had been reports that Luis Alberto would be rested, as Matias Vecino and Danilo Cataldi were out injured.
“We struggled more than usual to build out from the back. Luis Alberto was below par and paradoxically he improved only towards the end.
“We have players who are fundamental for this team and they are not in good shape, physically or mentally.”
Ciro Immobile has not seemed the same player since returning from that car crash, which forced him to spend several days in hospital.
“Ciro is one of those strikers who if he doesn’t score, then he loses intensity in the match. I think physically he is lacking something too, but above all he needs to score a goal.”
On paper, Lazio have the easiest run-in for the top four and are still in second place, but Sarri is far from confident.
“If we just look at the fixture list, then we are dead. I expect to see four tough and vigorous games, seeking a positive result at all costs. We cannot think those are easy games, otherwise we’re heading down a dark path.”