Sarri Insists Lazio Deserved More Against Atalanta, Has ‘Great Respect’ for Protesting Fans

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The Laziali

·15 February 2026

Sarri Insists Lazio Deserved More Against Atalanta, Has ‘Great Respect’ for Protesting Fans

Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri was pleased with the team’s performance against Atalanta, arguing that the final result doesn’t reflect the Aquile’s effort.

Lazio Suffer Defeat Against Atalanta

La Dea prevailed in the Italian capital thanks to two unanswered goals. Ederson broke the deadlock from a spot-kick, as Danilo Cataldi was unlucky to have the ball hit his arm from close range. Nicola Zalewski then made it 2-0, while Lazio were unfortunate on several occasions in front of goal, including two attempts from Kenneth Taylor and Petar Ratkov that hit the posts.

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Maurizio Sarri Commended Lazio Performance vs Atalanta

In his post-match press conference (via Il Messaggero), Sarri insisted that Lazio were much better than the result suggested, while Atalanta were simply more clinical in front of goal.

The scoreline is misleading. We had 18 shots and, until a month ago, that would never have happened. We just lacked a bit of luck. Even in the Coppa Italia against Juventus, Atalanta had three shots and won 3–0. But I watched my team play, create chances and concede very little. We can’t be disappointed: we played good football and showed belief right to the end.

Did Lazio Warrant a Spot-Kick Against Atalanta?

Sarri also argued that Lazio should have been given a penalty for the handball on Davide Zappacosta. The VAR decided that Nuno Tavares was in an offside position, but the head coach insists that Sead Kolasinac’s touch had started a new play.

The penalty at the start of the second half could have given us a lift; Kolasinac’s deflection wasn’t accidental, in my view he played Tavares back onside. But I’m pleased with the performance and the mentality.

Player Ratings: Lazio 0-2 Atalanta – Tenacious Taylor Not Enough for Sarri

Sarri on Nuno Tavares & Tijjani Noslin

The 67-year-old brought Tavares and Tijjani Noslin back to the starting lineup, but he urges them to improve their decision-making.

In terms of decision-making, they’re two players who sometimes get it wrong. They have strong qualities, which is probably why they’re here, but at times make questionable choices. If Nuno were more rational, he’d be outstanding. But he played well. I really like it when he carries the ball inside, because these teams go man-to-man and losing possession centrally can be dangerous.

Sarri Sides with Lazio Fans

Sarri admitted that the Lazio supporters have a valid reason to protest against Claudio Lotito and the hierarchy, but he once again urged them to return to the Stadio Olimpico to offer their support to the players.

I think Marusic, on behalf of the team, has already asked the fans to be there for the Coppa Italia semi-final against Atalanta. It would mean the world to us. I see the protest as an act of love: if people came to the stadium out of habit alone, they wouldn’t make such decisions. Our supporters don’t strike me as demanding victories at all costs — they just want us to be competitive. If the fans come back, the players are happy and I’m the happiest of all. I have great respect for the supporters’ choices.

Lazio’s Remaining Objectives

The defeat against Atalanta left Lazio nine points adrift from the Top Six, and the deficit could widen if Como earn a win over AC Milan on Wednesday. Nevertheless, Sarri still expects his men to give their all in the remaining league fixtures.

The Coppa Italia is all that’s left for us? No, The team will fight like this for the rest of the season. In this run-in we’ll see whether the team’s mentality can give us something for the future. We mustn’t give up. The Lazio of the past month is something more. This week Lazio played three serious matches against Bologna, Juventus and Atalanta. If you can hold your own in games like that, it means you’re growing.

Mario Gila Set to Undergo Tests

Finally, Sarri ruled out playing Ratkov as a left winger, while confirming that Mario Gila will undergo medical tests after suffering a new knee problem.

I didn’t know the lad (Ratkov) before, but that’s fine. In my view, he’s a striker, though I’ve only known him for a short time.” I don’t know yet (about Gila). He has knee pain without having taken a knock. We’ll investigate and see what the scans show.