Sarri Rues ‘Hasty’ Red Cards, Hails Lazio Defender for ‘Miraculous’ Display

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The Laziali

·14 December 2025

Sarri Rues ‘Hasty’ Red Cards, Hails Lazio Defender for ‘Miraculous’ Display

Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri was enchanted with his team’s exuberant 1-0 victory over Parma away from home.

Lazio Clinch Extraordinary Win in Parma

The Biancocelesti were reduced to nine men due to straight red cards for Mattia Zaccagni and Toma Basic, but still managed to find a late winner through Tijjani Noslin despite the great numerical disadvantage.

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In his post-match press conference (via Il Corriere dello Sport), Sarri insisted that his men fully deserved the result, not only for overcoming the challenging circumstances, but for dominating the action from the get-go.

This victory certainly brings enthusiasm, because it was achieved in complicated situations. But if you look at the numbers, the match was deservedly won. The team is improving mentally, they are committed, courageous, and tactically organized, and they manage to do so even with two men down. Lazio’s mentality is improving. The players are showing courage in their interpretation and in facing difficulties. We’ve played games with many players out, but the team never made excuses. That’s our strong point. We may have limitations, but we’d rather be poor than lacking courage.

Maurizio Sarri Disagrees with Mattia Zaccagni & Toma Basic Red Cards

The Lazio manager naturally discussed the two controversial red cards. Zaccagni was sent off for catching Nahuel Estevez with a high stud, while Basic was deemed to have committed violent conduct on the same player. Nevertheless, the head coach argued that the match official, Matteo Marchetti, made two hasty decisions, while also recalling Mario Gila’s dismissal against Bologna last week.

They were two hasty red cards in my opinion. You could always interpret the rules, but common sense is also needed. In my opinion, they were two light red cards: Zaccagni caught the opponent with the outside of his ankle. It leaves a bitter taste in our mouths. Regarding Basic’s foul, he talked about a reaction, but I’m struggling to see it. Last week, I said we had a referee who was too sensitive (when reacting to Gila’s comments). This time, we had an official who interpreted the rules to the letter.

Tijjani Noslin’s Role at Lazio

On another note, Sarri applauded Noslin for his heroic contribution, but insisted that the Dutchman’s characteristics aren’t always suited to the centre-forward role.

Under certain conditions, Noslin can be an extraordinary center forward. But if he’d played in the first half, it would have been more difficult. He’s a player I’m getting to know and I also really like him.

Sarri Lauds ‘Miraculous’ Patric

Finally, the 66-year-old reserved some praise for Patric, who replaced the suspended Gila, making his first start of the season, while jokingly suggesting he could start with 10 men next time due to the many absentees.

Patric returned to the pitch after so many months, and in my opinion, he performed a miracle. I’m happy to have him back, because he’s important for the team. For the Cremonese match, if we have at least eleven players available, that would be great, otherwise we’ll go straight onto the pitch with ten men!