“I Adapted” – Sarri Explains Lazio Playing Style, Reveals Penalty Hierarchy

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The Laziali

·19 April 2026

“I Adapted” – Sarri Explains Lazio Playing Style, Reveals Penalty Hierarchy

Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri lauded his players who put on an impressive performance against Napoli on Saturday.

Lazio Beat Napoli at the Maradona

The Partenepei were the favorites to prevail at home and keep their remaining title hopes alive, but they were outplayed by the Biancocelesti, who harried their on counterattacks. Matteo Cancellieri broke the deadlock early on, while Toma Basic sealed the win with a second strike after the break.

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Maurizio Sarri Hails Recent Lazio Run

In his post-match interviews (via Il Messaggero), Sarri insisted that Lazio are enjoying a positive moment, despite Monday’s defeat in Florence.

I’d like to remind everyone that over the last month and a half these lads have taken 13 points from six matches, only partially getting the game in Florence wrong. I told the players that matches on the calendar must be attacked, not endured. It’s been a difficult season, but within these difficulties there have been satisfactions: we took four points off Juventus, we beat Milan twice, and Napoli hadn’t lost at home for a year. There are signs of improvement from the team and individuals.

Why Sarri Changed Lazio Playing Style

The 67-year-old explained how the squad’s technical limitations prompted him to distance himself from his trademark possession-based football and adopt a counter-attacking approach.

I adapted to the characteristics of our squad. We don’t have many players suited to possession play, but many have pace and acceleration, so I tried not to put them in discomfort by asking them to play a style that doesn’t suit them.

Player Ratings: Napoli 0-2 Lazio – Noslin Torments Buongiorno

Can Kenneth Taylor Replicate Marek Hamsik’s Success in Serie A?

Kenneth Taylor was once again among Lazio’s most efficient players. Sarri believes the Dutchman could become his next great box-to-box midfielder, while remembering the exploits of former Napoli captain Marek Hamsik.

I have fond memories of my mezzali (external midfielders). When I came off the pitch, I saw Marek Hamsik, who was everything I wanted from someone in that role. Taylor is intelligent and adapted immediately; he’s doing well for someone in his first months in Italy. Serie A may not be the most beautiful league, but it remains one of the toughest in the world.

Sarri Gives Honest Opinion on Cancellieri

The Lazio boss also commended Cancellieri for his physical attributes, but urged him to improve his decision-making.

I chose these three forwards (Cancellieri, Noslin, and Zaccagni) from the start of the week. They were the most suited to the match. Cancellieri has immense physical qualities; technically he’s not bad, but he needs to improve his decision-making. He can become a top player. If you give him space, he has incredible acceleration. He’s a player who can hurt you, but it’s clear he still needs to develop technically and often makes illogical decisions. He has potential, and we hope he shows all of it. Hopefully on Wednesday (laughs).

Updates on Lazio Trio

Sarri also provided positive updates on Manuel Lazzari, who left the match due to cramps, as well as Daniel Maldini and Adam Marusic, who are currently on the sidelines.

For Lazzari it’s just cramps, nothing serious. I was only worried about his calves—Lazzari’s calves are famous (laughs). He’ll be able to play on Wednesday.

Marusic will have a check-up tomorrow morning—clinically he says he no longer feels pain. Maldini has already had a couple of training sessions with us; he’s lost a bit of fitness but seems to be improving.

Mattia Zaccagni Remains Lazio’s Designated Penalty Taker

Mattia Zaccagni squandered a penalty, but Sarri confirmed the captain as his first choice for spot-kick duty.

He hadn’t missed many recently. If you take ten penalties, you’ll miss a couple—that’s statistics, it’s mathematical. I was less pleased with the rebound than the penalty itself. In the dressing room it’s written that the takers are Zaccagni, and then, in brackets, Taylor and Pedro.

Sarri Rules Out a Return to Napoli

Finally, Sarri insisted that returning for a second tenure at Napoli is highly unlikely while looking back on his time with the Partenopei.

The lost title in Florence? That season (2017/18), we didn’t win anything, but it was a beautiful journey. When I walk into this stadium, the emotion is strong. But a future in Naples is a very remote possibility. I’m pleased this kind of talk has emerged, but I still have two years left on my contract with Lazio.