Maurizio Sarri ‘Furious’ With Var, Provides Updates on Gila, Cataldi & Dele-Bashiru

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The Laziali

·24 November 2025

Maurizio Sarri ‘Furious’ With Var, Provides Updates on Gila, Cataldi & Dele-Bashiru

Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri was pleased with his team’s display against Lecce, but was left irritated by the ‘excessive’ interference of the VAR.

Lazio Beat Lecce 2-0

The Aquile produced one of their best showings of the season, as they dominated the action against their Salentian visitors at the half-deserted Stadio Olimpico. Matteo Guendouzi scored the opener just before the half-hour mark, but the fans had to wait until the dying moments of the match to witness a second goal courtesy of Tijjani Noslin.

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Lazio Finally Having Fun

In his post-match press conference (via Il Messaggero), Sarri expressed his satisfaction with the performance, as he was delighted to see his players enjoying their time on the pitch.

For 70 minutes, we played high-quality football; the only flaw was that we kept the score in the balance until the 90th minute. The boys are improving with every game. Even when we were constantly losing, I said the group was enjoying themselves. I’m pleased that they’re starting to get some satisfaction, too. I’m also happy that Basic said the team had fun; finally, the boys realize that when you’re having fun, everything becomes easier.

Maurizio Sarri Furious with Boulay Dia’s Disallowed Goal

Lazio had a goal controversially disallowed following a VAR review, as Boulaye Dia was judged to have pushed Tiago Gabriel off the ball before slotting it home. Sarri certainly didn’t agree with the decision, but commended the Senegalese for his improved display.

You’re sending me to bed furious. The use of VAR is excessive and inappropriate, and I can’t stand it when they use slow-motion replays, because if you look at the freeze-frame, it’s always a penalty Dia is clearly improving, and I’m happy, but I’m sorry that they disallowed a goal that could have been important for him.

Player Ratings: Lazio 2-0 Lecce – The Real Guendouzi Finally Shows Up

Updates on Danilo Cataldi & Mario Gila

The manager also provided relatively reassuring updates on Danilo Catlaldi and Mario Gila, who were forced to leave the pitch prematurely.

According to the initial checks from the locker room, it seems like two strains, nothing serious. Cataldi’s calf was gradually stiffening, so I made a precautionary substitution at the break. Gila felt like his adductor was getting tighter, but not in a single episode. I hope it’s just muscle fatigue.

Sarri’s Season Objective

Sarri also added that his goal is to be able to forge a solid group that Lazio can build on for upcoming campaigns.

It’s a season that—aside from the unthinkable problems—is giving me pleasure. I feel like we’re a good group, united and humble. I’m not equipped to perform miracles; a miracle would be to get to the end of the season with seven or eight players capable of playing in a very ambitious team.

Why Fisayo Dele-Bashiru Remains Off the List

The 66-year-old also revealed why he changed his mind regarding reinstating Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who remains out of the squad list, despite recovering from his injury.

On Friday, I had decided to reinstate him. The club asked me to wait a week to get a clearer idea and discuss it all together. We’ll discuss it tomorrow or the day after. The lad would have been available today, but he’s been out since September 21st and could have only played for 15 minutes.