Maurizio Sarri Praises Lazio Collective, Names His New ‘Untouchable’ Starter

Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri saw promising signs in the goalless draw against Atalanta, especially in terms of collective play.

The Aquile adopted a defensive approach in Bergamo, allowing La Dea to take the lion’s share of ball possession. Ivan Juric’s men weren’t able to cause any danger in the first half, but they managed to launch an onslaught after the break. Nevertheless, Lazio survived thanks to the heroics of Mario Gila and Ivan Provedel, as well as the group that held firm at the back.

In his post-match press conference (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Sarri expressed his delight with the collective, which is now prevailing over the individualist approach.

The players are becoming a real group, a group in which the collective objective has taken precedence over the individual objective. We played a very good first half, but in the second period, the opponent’s pace increased.

Of the 15 players who took to the field, five or six had their first training session yesterday morning, so the drop of pace was normal. And in that part of the game, the team did well to suffer and fight as a whole. A coach like this obviously comes away happy, regardless of the result.

Sarri also rued Matteo Cancellieri’s injury, but was happy with what he saw from his replacement, Gustav Isaksen.

After 20 minutes, we lost our most in-form player, and based on his characteristics, the most poisonous for this type of opponent. Luckily, Isaksen is starting to grow and all in all he had a good game too. In three weeks that could have been disastrous.

The 66-year-old was asked about the contract extensions of Mario Gila and Alessio Romagnoli, and he took the opportunity to make a light-hearted jab at the club’s chaotic situation.

When I returned to Lazio, they told me I’d decide the transfer market in June, but then the market was closed (due to the transfer ban). Now they’re telling me I’ll decide who leaves and who stays, but I’m sure this will get closed too, as someone seems to be enjoying mocking me (laughs).

Sarri also heaped praise on Toma Basic, who put on another hardworking display in the middle of the park

If you asked me who’s untouchable today, I’d say Basic. He’s a player who stayed out of the squad for a year and comes in, not only ready but also emotionally invested. This season, I’ve found him more confident, more aware of his own abilities.

There are many players I’m happy with, others who are definitely more valuable than the others, we’ll try to make the best out of all of them.