Sarri Slams Lazio Schedule, Insists Bologna Deserved a Red Card, Provides Pedro Updates

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The Laziali

·12. Februar 2026

Sarri Slams Lazio Schedule, Insists Bologna Deserved a Red Card, Provides Pedro Updates

Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri was delighted with his players who showed character and determination to beat Bologna in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals.

Lazio Prevail in Penalty Shootouts at Bologna

The Biancocelesti found themselves trailing at the half-hour mark when Santiago Castro scored from a corner kick, but Tijjani Noslin finished a slick movement after the interval to set up penalty shootouts. While the Rossoblu lost their nerves in front of their home supporters, the Lazio players were flawless, converting four out of four.

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Maurizio Sarri Hails Lazio Spirit Against Bologna

In his post-match interviews (via Il Messaggero), Sarri only had words of praise for his courageous players, who have now booked their place in the semi-finals against Atalanta.

You haven’t been paying attention: we haven’t lost away from home since November. We’re doing what we can, maybe even more We struggled in the first 30 minutes, then improved and showed enviable composure from the spot. I’m happy for the Lazio fans. But the road is still very long As a coach, seeing this spirit is a pleasure. I feel I’ve got a real group, one that thinks football in a single way. The credit goes to the lads. The difficulties we’ve faced have brought us together.

Sarri Wanted Lewis Bologna Captain Sent Off

Prior to Bologna’s opener, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru was put through on goal, but fell to the ground after being deranged by Lewis Ferguson. While the referee waved play on, Sarri insists the Scottish captain should have received his marching orders.

The incident is clear, even if worse has happened to us. It’s a foul, the imbalance is obvious, it was a red card. Anywhere else on the pitch the referee blows the whistle; here he didn’t because he would have had to send him off.

Positive Update on Pedro

In the final minutes of the first half, Pedro seemed to be in great agony as he hobbled off the pitch. Fortunately, the manager had some reassuring updates on the Spaniard’s condition.

He’s in hospital, but the first tests appear to have ruled out fractures. That’s good news.

Sarri Explains Why Lazio Conceded From a Corner Kick

Sarri was asked about the new signings and how they’re faring in their early days at Formello. Interestingly, he blamed the mid-season shake-up for the opening goal.

There’s only so much I can do right now. Integrating players who arrived two weeks ago isn’t easy. The goal we conceded tonight wouldn’t have happened a few weeks back because the players were used to certain positions. Still, I’m pleased the difficulties have forged a tough group. The newcomers have slotted in fairly quickly.

Player Ratings: Bologna 1-1 Lazio – Instrumental Marusic, Decisive Noslin

The 67-year-old explained how the five penalty takers were chosen, while confirming that Danilo Cataldi was supposed to take the fifth.

Taylor used to take them at Ajax. Marusic rarely misses in training. Cataldi would have taken the last one. Nuno struck them brilliantly yesterday afternoon. The only one who volunteered was Dia.

Sarri Gives Daniel Maldini Public Advice

Sarri insists on deploying Daniel Maldini as a striker, but urges the latter to make more daring runs towards the penalty box.

For this match, he did well. In other games we’d need a Maldini who attacks the box more. He’s physically solid and technically gifted, but he lacks that instinct to attack the spaces — and a bit of edge. In games like tonight I’m fine with it; in others I’d want him more ruthless. He’s shown 50 per cent of what he has. Many coaches have tried; now it’s my turn.

Rovella & Cataldi Together?

The manager was also asked about the possibility of seeing his two Registas, Cataldi and Nicolo Rovella, in the same lineup.

Maybe for short spells. In this system they’d struggle; in my view neither is a true mezzala. We could use a double playmaker in possession and revert to 4-3-3 defensively, but I’m not convinced. I’ll sleep on it.

Lazio’s Designated Penalty Taker

The journalists also wondered whether Kenneth Taylor could become the designated penalty-kick taker.

He’s taken plenty at Ajax and it’s hard for goalkeepers to read him. I think he’s a good option, but if there’s a last-minute penalty, Cataldi takes it.

Sarri Slams Lazio Schedule

Finally, Sarri voiced his frustration with the league organizers who forced Lazio to play three matches in the space of six days, while their next opponents, Atalanta, will have an entire week to prepare for Saturday’s clash.

I don’t understand why they didn’t play this week as well. We’ll get back on Thursday and they’ll have a double advantage. We’ve been away from Rome since Saturday and will play again on Saturday. I’ve never had much faith in the intelligence of the Lega Serie A. We’ll see if we can arrive at the match in optimal condition.