Maurizio Sarri gives an injury update on Ciro Immobile and Luis Alberto, while warning fans he does not expect Lazio to ‘do anything’ in the January transfer window.
The Aquile got back on track by beating Empoli 2-0 at the Stadio Castellani, where this coach started his Serie A career.
Matteo Guendouzi and Mattia Zaccagni got the goals following chaotic moves with several attempts charged down.
“It was important to rediscover points and confidence,” Sarri told DAZN.
“We can do better in terms of quality, but it was decent today. Being forced to make the two substitutions shook us up, but then after going 2-0 up, our minds were clearer. Along with the three points, we hope to have gained some self-belief today.”
The Biancocelesti had to make two substitutions in the space of three minutes, as first Ciro Immobile limped off holding his thigh, then Luis Alberto pulled up during a counter-attack.
“Luis Alberto has had a groin issue for a month now. He generally has far more problems with the tendons than muscles, so we hope that is the case again today.”
While the result made it seem comfortable, Ivan Provedel had to make several huge saves to keep Empoli out.
“For some of the game, I saw more focus in defence than usual, but then Provedel came up with those saves. We have to be more consistent in our defending too.”
Sarri remains irritable when asked about the criticism aimed at his Lazio side this season.
“In the last seven matches, we have won four, drawn one and lost two, those defeats being against Inter and Atletico Madrid.
“With a little more calm, we can get back to playing our style of football. At the moment, we only do it in flashes.”
Sarri was asked if he would like a gift for Christmas from Lazio, but he refused to play along with the journalistic game.
“I hope for more points, that is all. If you want to talk about the transfer market, I am pulling out. Lazio historically do very little in January and I don’t think we’re going to do anything this year either.”
Lazio could certainly do with reinforcements, especially after picking Bayern Munich in the Champions League Round of 16.
“I had hoped we would get Barcelona because I’ve never faced them before, whereas I have already faced Bayern Munich.”
Sarri was not in much of a mood to discuss the Super League ruling either.
“We have to see how the situation evolves. I am a traditionalist and I don’t even particularly like the format of the Champions League next season.”
In an attempt to calm the calls for a Super League, the Champions League changes from 2024-25 to a larger group format.