Lazio 1-1 Bologna – Sarri hits back at Lotito: ‘We need players who actually improve us’ | OneFootball

Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri has responded to club president Claudio Lotito’s claims that Lazio ‘will not be weakened’ in the January transfer window, stating “that isn’t enough, this team needs to be strengthened”, after the Biancocelesti drew 1-1 in an even contest with Bologna on Sunday evening.

Speaking to Sky Sport after the match, via LaLazioSiamoNoi, in which Sarri’s side had to play the final ten minutes with ten men after Mario Gila was sent off for dissent, the coach praised his side as they “played well against a top-level team.”

ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 07: SS Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on December 07, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Sarri continued, “We gave them a lot of trouble. We’re disappointed by the goal we conceded – there were a serious of mistakes. It was a match played by a team that is improving greatly, I’m happy with the performance but I’m still disappointed not to win.”

Lazio coach Sarri responds to Lotito market claims

Before the match, Lotito told reporters, who asked whether or not the club would be strengthened in January, that “it won’t be weakened, that is without a doubt.”

This cryptic response appears to have confused Sarri somewhat, who said “Not weakening isn’t enough, this team needs to be strengthened. If players who don’t improve us are going to arrive, it’s better for them not to arrive. We need players who can actually improve this team, which is working really hard.”

ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 07: Mario Gila is shown a red card by referee, Michael Fabbri during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on December 07, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Sarri also discussed Gila’s red in the match, arguing “It’s not like there was any personal insult toward the referee; usually, he turns away and pretends nothing happened in these situations.”

Lazio will have to put today’s disappointment behind them as they look ahead to next Saturday’s trip to Parma.