News Focus
- Sarri insists mentality matters more than tactics for Wednesday’s final against Inter
- Lazio face the Nerazzurri just four days after suffering a 3-0 league defeat
- Injury doubts remain over midfielder Danilo Cataldi and winger Pedro
- Manager reflects on past cup final heartbreak with Chelsea and Juventus
- Biancocelesti aim to end difficult season with silverware at Stadio Olimpico
Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri has warned his squad that tactical plans will mean nothing if they do not fix their mindset ahead of Wednesday night’s Coppa Italia final. The Biancocelesti face Serie A champions Inter Milan just days after the Nerazzurri beat them 3-0 in the league.
“If our mental attitude remains the same as Saturday, then tactics count for nothing,” Sarri told reporters on Tuesday. “You cannot defend with your eyes closed and avoid challenging for the ball. No tactical system can help if the mentality is wrong.”
The ninth-placed Biancocelesti enter the showdown as clear underdogs. Lazio reached the final by beating AC Milan, Bologna and Atalanta, with the latter two victories coming via penalty shootouts. Inter’s path included wins over Venezia, Torino and Como.
Sarri described Saturday’s league performance as “terrible” and admitted he faces selection headaches. “I have eight or nine doubts after that display,” he said. “We played so badly that I cannot judge individual performances.”
Midfielder Danilo Cataldi offers a fitness concern after returning to training only on Tuesday morning following a month out. “Medical fitness and physical availability are different things,” Sarri explained. “He cannot play a full match.” Winger Pedro also trained partially due to bruising and will only be fit for a substitute appearance, though he boasts an impressive record of scoring in 80% of finals he has played.
The Lazio manager reflected on previous final disappointments, including penalty shootout defeats with Juventus in the 2019 Coppa Italia and Chelsea in the 2019 EFL Cup against Manchester City. The Chelsea loss still hurts most, particularly the infamous misunderstanding with goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga who refused to be substituted. “We deserved more in those 120 minutes against City,” Sarri noted.
Despite his personal history, Sarri insists the trophy matters more for his players and supporters. “This belongs to them, not me. After a long career, this cup will not change my life, but it would mean everything to the team and fans.” He praised his squad for showing resilience during a season played partly in empty stadiums due to supporter protests.
Sarri also congratulated Inter coach Simone Inzaghi, who seeks a domestic double in his first full season at the San Siro. “He has shown great personality. Inter were clearly the strongest team this year, and he has managed that pressure well.”
The Lazio boss admitted he struggled to find words for his final team meeting. “I consider it almost a useless meeting. The players already know what it takes. We need humility, courage, and complete belief. Any words I say are just rhetoric.”