Maurizio Sarri hails the work-rate of his Lazio players after securing victory away to Napoli, but still trusts Luciano Spalletti will become ‘the King’ with the Scudetto.
There must be mixed feelings for ex-Napoli boss Sarri to see his team trip up the current Serie A leaders and stall the march towards the Scudetto. What does this victory mean?
“It means three points. These are three important points against a side that is playing its own separate season, which I think managed 11 wins and a draw here, so winning here means a lot,” the coach told DAZN.
“It was a high-level performance in terms of attention, focus, dedication and determination, but I do think we can do better in our technique.”
Kvicha Kvaratskhelia’s clearance fell to Matias Vecino, who thumped in a half-volley from distance into the bottom corner to decide the 1-0 result, Napoli’s first home defeat of the season.
Both sides rattled the woodwork with Victor Osimhen and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, while Vecino’s header was cleared off the line by Giovanni Di Lorenzo in the opening five minutes.
“The problem for us has never been an individual game, it’s finding consistency. Our defects have been limited compared to last season, we don’t have as many blackouts, so I hope we have found the right path.
“It was a tough match for the wide strikers today, they had to sacrifice themselves when the Napoli full-backs pushed forward all the time. To see them willing to work like that is very satisfying for a coach.
“People keep saying that Sarri doesn’t change his players, but we used 21 over the last three games. I didn’t rotate at Napoli, but look at the bench that Napoli have available compared to mine.”
Lazio are temporarily in second place, awaiting Inter and Milan results, but Sarri focused on the Conference League Round of 16 against AZ Alkmaar.
“It makes me think it is time to go to bed, because we’ve got the Cup coming up on Tuesday and we want to do well in that competition too.”
Sarri came so close to the Scudetto at Napoli and became a hero, so how will Spalletti be treated by the peoples of Naples?
“After this season, if he gets where he certainly will, he’ll become the King here. Winning is wonderful everywhere, but winning in Naples is something special.
“I am happy for Luciano, who will have this experience.”