Maurizio Sarri suggested the early scheduling of Lazio’s clash with Lecce ‘was an ambush’ but was satisfied after the victory.
The Aquile are on sparkling form at the moment, as this was their fourth consecutive Serie A victory, while they also beat local rivals Roma midweek to reach the Coppa Italia semi-final.
It was hard going at times, but Felipe Anderson blasted into the roof of the net from a Luis Alberto assist after a quick throw-in to surprise the Lecce defence at the Stadio Olimpico.
Lazio can now start preparing for the Supercoppa Italiana Final Four, with the semi-final against Coppa Italia winners Inter on Friday in Riyadh.
Speaking to Sky Sports Italia via TMW after the match, Sarri first reacted to Lazio’s win over Lecce.
“It was a very difficult match for many reasons, with a risk of downturn from a mental point of view. And Lecce have always created difficulties for us. It would’ve been difficult even if we had played in the evening, at 12.30 it was an ambush.”
He spoke about Felipe Anderson’s work as a false nine.
“When he plays there, he’s always done quite well, let’s see what he can do in this role, but our idea is to fully recover both Ciro and Taty.”
The Biancocelesti coach commented on the growth of new signings Mateo Guendouzi and Nicolo Rovella.
“They are two energetic players from every point of view, they are also two hammers mentally. I would like to dribble a little more, but the two of them are giving us something at the moment.”
Sarri discussed the quality of Luis Alberto.
“The quality of Luis Alberto is unquestionable. He only lacks great acceleration, but he has stamina, he has technique, he sees the game in a superior way.”
He weighed in on the qualities of Felipe Anderson.
“He played 126 consecutive matches… He is a player who potentially belongs to very big clubs, unfortunately his career has been dotted with bad moments which are part of the Felipe Anderson package. But I am in love with him, just seeing him run satisfies me in an aesthetic sense.”
Finally, Sarri spoke about Felipe Anderson’s contract situation.
“The issue of players having expiring contracts is an Italian story only, in England they all play without problems. Then between now and the end of the season there will also be time to resolve the issue.”
The winners of that game will take on the victors from Napoli–Fiorentina in the Final on Monday January 22.
Because of the Supercoppa and the rules on cards carrying over, Ciro Immobile and Mattia Zaccagni were booked today and will be suspended for the next Lazio Serie A match.
That will be against Napoli on January 28.