Lazio: Sarri warns Inter are stronger, need 25 warriors for result | OneFootball

The Biancocelesti coach analyzes the team's growth and the tough clash with the Nerazzurri: “The gap with the top teams has increased, but the mentality is changing.”

Lazio, Sarri warns: “Inter is stronger, but we need 25 madmen ready to die for the result”

Maurizio Sarri is not looking for excuses or illusions. On the eve of Inter–Lazio, the Tuscan coach gives a clear picture of his team's current state: a group that is growing, but still far from the top of Serie A. After a difficult start, the Biancocelesti are unbeaten in six matches and have not conceded a goal in four games, a sign of maturity that Sarri sees as part of an ongoing building process.

“Growth paths are never linear,” the coach explains. “There are always missteps and moments of regression. The important thing is that over time you reach levels never reached before. We are improving in mentality and in the way we approach certain matches. I hope there is still significant room for improvement.”

Growth to be consolidated

Despite the progress, Sarri urges caution. According to the coach, consistency is the real challenge:

“Anyone can be tough for a month, for six months it’s complicated, and for eleven only the strongest can do it. Six matches represent just 5% of the league: too little to judge. At the start of the season, many thought Lazio was out of Europe and that several teams had strengthened better. Now we have to prove that our growth can last until the end.”

On seasonal ambitions, Sarri remains pragmatic:

“Let’s not burden this team with expectations. This is not the time to talk about goals. The objective is to keep improving, without pressure.”

Inter–Lazio: a challenge for “madmen”

The next test will be one of the toughest: on Sunday, Lazio will face Inter at San Siro, where they haven’t won since 2019.

“It will be a very tough match,” admits Sarri. “At the moment, we can’t play on equal terms with Inter, but we’ll go to Milan to get a result. They are stronger, but with humility and conviction, we can have our say. We need 25 madmen willing to die for the result. Only in this way can we put in a great performance.”

The coach has no doubts about the strength of the Nerazzurri:

“Inter, together with Napoli, has the most complete squad in the league. They have played in two Champions League finals in the last three years. Even in Europe, few teams can boast such a level.”

Chivu and the generational comparison

At San Siro, Sarri will find Cristian Chivu on the opposing bench, in his first major experience in Serie A.

“He’s a coach who is emerging, but it’s hard to judge after three months. I prefer the paths of those who build their careers by working their way up through the lower leagues, but Chivu has impressed me with his personality and impact.”

The coach acknowledges that the gap between Lazio and the top teams has widened in recent years, but urges to see the challenge as an opportunity:

“It will be a very tough match even if we play at our highest level, but it can offer us a chance to grow.”

Romagnoli close to returning, Dia confirmed

As for the lineup, Sarri will make his final decisions only shortly before the match.

“Romagnoli has trained fairly well, but we’ll evaluate tomorrow morning with the doctor to see if he can be available,” he explained.

In defense, the competition with Provstgaard remains open, while in attack there will still be room for Boulaye Dia, despite his goal drought:

“He’s heavily criticized, but I can’t fault a player who gives two matches of total sacrifice for the team. Of course, you expect shots and goals from a center forward, but in terms of effort and overall contribution, he gives us everything we need.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.