Maurizio Sarri Cautions Lazio Not to “Underestimate” Sassuolo

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The Laziali

·14 September 2025

Maurizio Sarri Cautions Lazio Not to “Underestimate” Sassuolo

Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri held a press conference at Formello ahead of the team’s Serie A clash against Sassuolo.

The Italian coach discussed the challenges posed by the opposition, the fitness of his squad after the international break, and provided updates on player injuries and the January transfer market.

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Sarri emphasized the need for a focused mentality against a tricky opponent and touched upon individual player performances.

Sassuolo vs Lazio

Sarri began by stressing the importance of not underestimating Sassuolo, despite their difficult start to the season.

Sassuolo have had a difficult start in terms of results, but they have a front three that few teams have. They are not a medium-low level opponent. They have a great attack, a team that will have nothing to do with the lower part of the table. We have to understand that it’s a difficult match; superficiality will be costly. It’s a complicated match, and this mentality is needed. If you’re not ready for the difficulties, you’re not even prepared to face them.

Player Fitness & National Team Call-ups

The manager expressed frustration with the demanding international schedule, noting that players often return “disintegrated.” He also provided an update on the fitness of Patric and Matías Vecino.

I say from experience that they return disintegrated. I’ve had the experience of two or three players in the Africa Cup of Nations; after 35 days away, it takes at least two weeks to get them back in condition. We hope to recover Patric in 7-8 days and Vecino next week. Vecino’s tests were positive, but he doesn’t feel right on the field. We’ve started a different training program, hoping that his feelings will also improve next week.

Lazio’s Style of Play

Sarri was questioned on the balance between possession-based play and vertical attacks, highlighting the importance of a hybrid approach to unlock defenses.

The last game was the one with the most possession in my experience at Lazio, almost a thousand passes. Rovella touched 130 balls, which had never happened before. The possession is fine if it serves to open up spaces and attack them with or without the ball; if it’s an end in itself, it’s no good. The mix must become important for us; possession serves to open up spaces and attack them at 35 km/h.

Taty Castellanos vs Boulaye Dia

The coach was asked about his choice for the starting striker, noting that both Castellanos and Dia have been competing for the position.

Dia was gone for 12 days, Taty was with us. Although Dia seemed lively and present in recent days. In the following matches, we’ll see. I don’t give the shirt to anyone to take home and wash. Every week, every player has to earn the shirt. They all made mistakes in the first game; the second they played well. In the pre-season, Dia struggled to find physical condition; now he seems to be growing.

Importance of Matteo Guendouzi

Sarri praised the versatility of Matteo Guendouzi, valuing his defensive contribution even more than his potential for scoring goals.

The story tells me [he will score] closer to 5 [goals]. He has never been a big scorer; it’s true that he is entering a phase where he can express himself at his best. If he scores, I’m happy, but he is a total player. For us, his defensive phase is fundamental. If he scores 8 but makes us concede 5, it’s better for him to score 5. However, he has a maturity that can now push him to give his best.