Maurizio Sarri again seemed to disagree with President Claudio Lotito on the ambitions Lazio have going into tonight’s Fiorentina clash. ‘It’s not as if Lazio will be in the Champions League every year.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Artemio Franchi at 19.45 GMT.
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Roma–Torino on the LIVEBLOG.
Only two points separate these teams going in, with Lazio coming off Thursday’s 2-0 win away to Torino, rescheduled from January so they could participate in the Supercoppa Italiana Final Four.
Fiorentina were in that tournament too and also faltered at the semi-final stage.
“It is not easy to understand what condition the squad is in, as we are playing every three or four days for weeks and weeks. Training cannot tell you too much,” Sarri told Sky Sport Italia.
“I think mentality counts a great deal too, hopefully we are ready for this appointment.”
The coach has often been at odds with President Claudio Lotito and much of the local media over expectations and ambitions, specifically with their top four Serie A ambitions.
Sarri was asked if he is feeling the pressure to always need a result, as a poor start to the campaign means they are playing catch-up.
“It’s not as if Lazio will be in the Champions League every year, so we are not feeling that much pressure. We have to take it one game at a time, ignore the table, not get overjoyed with a victory and not despair at defeat.
“Fiorentina are more or less on our level, so it’s going to be a difficult match.”
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— S.S.Lazio (@OfficialSSLazio) February 26, 2024