“I’ve Shown Patience” – Sarri Sends New Message to Hierarchy, Confirms Lazio Duo’s Return

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The Laziali

·3 March 2026

“I’ve Shown Patience” – Sarri Sends New Message to Hierarchy, Confirms Lazio Duo’s Return

Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri previewed Wednesday’s Coppa Italia tie against Atalanta, while taking the opportunity to send some subtle messages to the management.

The Background

The Biancocelesti are on a four-match winless skid in Serie A that saw them drop to 11th place in the table. Nevertheless, the club has at least found success in the domestic cup thus far, eliminating AC Milan and Bologna en route to the semi-final.

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Maurizio Sarri Previews Lazio vs Atalanta

On Wednesday, Lazio will host Atalanta in the first leg of what should be a tough double header for the out-of-sorts team. Ahead of the all-important clash, Sarri decided to change his habit by holding a pre-match press conference (via Il Messaggero).

Sarri on ‘Year Zero’ & Patience

The 67-year-old was first asked about the ‘Year Zero’ comment he made a few weeks back. The manager feels he has done his fair share by remaining patient and tolerant, while urging others to follow suit, in what could be a message for club president Claudio Lotito and the rest of the hierarchy.

It was clear from the outset, as the club said so. This was the situation and patience was needed. I’ve shown plenty. It would be nice if everyone did the same.

Lazio Future Won’t Depend on Coppa Italia Outcome

Sarri also tried to belittle the importance of the match against Atalanta, as he doesn’t think it will impact the club’s future.

For the future it doesn’t carry huge weight. Next season has to be ‘year one.’ Tomorrow we face a very difficult tie, especially over two legs, against the only Italian team still in the Champions League. We need pride — we knocked out last year’s two finalists. We need enthusiasm. I spoke with the sporting director half an hour ago. Planning will be done by the club — nothing has changed so far. It’s hard to plan now, I don’t know who will be on the market.

Sarri Opens up on Torino Defeat

The Tuscan tactician admitted his responsibility for Lazio’s woeful display against Torino on Sunday.

If we saw a sad team on Sunday, the responsibility lies with everyone, myself included. We were drained, unexpectedly so. We had played three excellent games in a week at a good level. The drop in nervous energy in Turin caught me off guard. Tomorrow will tell us if our minds were already on the Coppa Italia. I’ve coached teams that earned 91 points and then lost 3-0 in Udine.

Why Atalanta Have The Upper Hand Over Lazio

Sarri explains that Atalanta have a major advantage over Lazio in terms of quality because of their more advanced project.

In Bergamo they’ve built a project over ten years, constantly in Europe, often in the Champions League, able to invest at a different level. Now they can afford top players. The gap could widen — that’s normal. Lazio must invest with the aim of returning to Europe consistently.

Updates on Gila, Pedro & Basic

The Biancocelesti might be able to rely on Mario Gila and Pedro on Wednesday following their return to training, but Toma Basic remains behind in his recovery path.

Yesterday Gila and Pedro were partially back with the group. We’ll see if Basic can try as well. I don’t know yet.

Why Lazio’s Squad Weakened In Recent Years

Sarri reckoned that Lazio had a much stronger squad two years ago, but that team had too many veterans, in reference to the likes of Ciro Immobile, Luis Alberto, and Felipe Anderson.

That Lazio side was strong but at the end of its cycle. This team is inferior to that one — we’ll see in three years’ time. There were older players.

Lazio vs Atalanta | Coppa Italia | Where to Watch, Insights, Lineups & Prediction

The former Napoli and Juventus head coach insists that he still enjoys working with the Lazio players at his disposal, but requesting reinforcement is part of his duty.

If you live off the polemics in Rome, you only last twenty days. I don’t listen to the outside noise. I’m a coach — everyone wants a stronger squad. Even Guardiola would turn his nose up and ask for more. It’s part of the job. I enjoy this team in training; the group is healthy and problem-free. During the week I take pleasure in it — during matches I often get angry.

Lazio Players Won’t Meet With Protesting Supporters Before Atalanta Clash

While the Curva Nord supporters will continue to boycott the team’s fixtures as part of the protest against Claudio Lotito, they asked that the team bus pass by the gathering point at Ponte Milvio before the match. However, Sarri explained why this won’t be possible.

It seems the authorities won’t allow a change of route. I’m sorry — it would have been an important point of contact. I respect the supporters’ reasons, but we miss the Lazio fans. I hope we can hear their chants from inside. That would be a strong sign of participation. If they stand by us, I’m happy.