Sarri Offers Var Suggestion as He Aims Dig at Allegri After Milan vs Lazio Debacle

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The Laziali

·3 December 2025

Sarri Offers Var Suggestion as He Aims Dig at Allegri After Milan vs Lazio Debacle

Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri proposed a marginal yet crucial change to the VAR protocol inspired by the actions of AC Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri.

The Background

The Biancocelesti may have been second best to the Diavolo on Saturday, but they could have escaped San Siro with a valuable point had a last-gasp refereeing gone in their favor. Alessio Romagnoli’s shot struck the arm of Milan defender Strahinja Pavlovic while heading towards Mike Maignan’s goal. While match official Giuseppe Collu didn’t spot it, he was summoned by the VAR for an on-field review.

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Milan vs Lazio Finale Sparks Major Debate

When the referee headed to the pitchside monitor, things swiftly spiralled into chaos. Allegri, as is often the case during these incidents, lost his temper, lashing out at Collu, who had no other option but to show him the red card. One of Sarri’s assistants also got involved and received the same punishment.

(Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Following that large debacle, the referee still had a major call to make, and in the end, he opted for a bizarre one, spotting a non-existent foul on Adam Marusic. Pundits and observers agreed that this perplexing decision stemmed from Collu’s refusal to disagree with the VAR’s suggestion regarding the handball, and his desire to prevent awarding a spot-kick he wasn’t convinced of.

Maurizio Sarri Comes up with Interesting VAR Suggestion

Needless to say, this incident sparked a huge debate in Italian football that is still raging several days following the incident.

In his interview with Sport Mediaset (via Il Corriere dello Sport), Sarri suggested that the monitor should be moved to the other side of the pitch to prevent the men in the dugouts from piling pressure on the referee, in what could be a subtle dig at Allegri and his behavior on Saturday.

We have no retaliation, but only a suggestion comes to mind: let’s put the VAR monitor on the opposite side of the benches. The referee needs to make decisions in a calmer environment than what I saw.

Sarri on Lazio’s Objective

The two clubs will meet again on Thursday in the Coppa Italia Round of 16, which could be an opportunity for Lazio to try and snatch a place in Europe, given how they’re currently trailing in the Serie A standings. But for Sarri, the club must avoid setting any objectives for the season due to the unusual circumstances (mainly the summer transfer ban).

This season we have no ambitions for the league table. We have to be honest. This campaign will help us grow and create a foundation that we will try to improve to be competitive. We’ll have to see if we’ll be free to sign players in January. The June transfer window will be decisive for us. I’ve told the club what I think we might lack in terms of roles and quality, then it’s their job to identify the names. There’s no point in saying what we’re missing because it’s like indirectly saying that I want certain players out. But right now we can’t do without anyone.