Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri discussed his team’s strategy for the match against Inter, emphasizing the need to mentally set aside the two highly anticipated upcoming fixtures: the Coppa Italia Final and the Rome Derby.
Sarri explained his approach, stating, “I tried to pretend the next two games don’t exist. If you don’t approach the game from the outset with full commitment, you risk being on the defensive and delivering a poor performance.” He stressed the importance of giving their absolute best in the current match with the right mindset, reserving thoughts about future games for later.
While Inter can afford to rest players after securing the Serie A title, Lazio is dealing with significant injury concerns. Key players like Mattia Zaccagni, Danilo Cataldi, Ivan Provedel, and Samuel Gigot are unavailable. However, Nicolò Rovella is set to make his first start since a collarbone fracture on February 21, and Pedro has been selected to play in attack. Sarri confirmed that Rovella needs game time to recover, and Pedro is in good form. He also provided a positive update on Zaccagni, noting that his foot injury is a bruise and he should be ready for Wednesday’s match.
English Translation:
Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri explained his team’s decisions for the Inter match, aiming to “pretend the next two games don’t exist,” even though they include the Coppa Italia Final and the Rome Derby.
Sarri stated, “I tried to pretend the next two games don’t exist, because if you don’t attack the game from the start, you’ll be on the back foot, and then put in a bad performance. We’ve got to give it our all today with the right attitude, then from tonight we can start thinking about the next.”
While Inter can afford to rotate their squad after securing the Serie A title, Lazio continues to struggle with injuries to Mattia Zaccagni, Danilo Cataldi, Ivan Provedel, and Samuel Gigot. At least Nicolò Rovella returns for his first start since fracturing his clavicle on February 21, while Pedro is chosen in attack. Sarri explained, “Rovella is improving, he needs minutes on the field. Zaccagni had a bruise to his foot yesterday in training and Pedro is in good shape, so it was the best decision. We have positive impressions on Zaccagni, it’s a bruise but nothing more, so he should be ready for Wednesday.”