Maurizio Sarri Calls for Unity at Lazio Ahead of Derby vs Roma

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The Laziali

·16 settembre 2025

Maurizio Sarri Calls for Unity at Lazio Ahead of Derby vs Roma

While the defeat to Sassuolo was the immediate topic, a significant portion of Maurizio Sarri’s press conference was dedicated to the future, specifically the upcoming derby against rivals Roma.

The manager was quick to set the tone, describing the Derby della Capitale as an event unlike any other. He stressed that it transcends mere points or league standings and holds a unique emotional weight for everyone associated with the club.

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The Weight of the Derby Della Capitale vs Roma

Sarri admitted that the derby is “the most difficult and heaviest match I have ever done” from an emotional standpoint. He playfully remarked that he would prefer to start thinking about it “in a few days” rather than immediately after the loss.

The derby is the most difficult and heaviest match I have ever done. I hope the boys have well in mind what it means to play a derby and that they are ready to fight for a people. If it were up to me, I would start thinking about the derby in a few days.

The coach is fully aware of the match’s significance to the fans and has a clear message for his players. He hopes they understand the immense responsibility of representing the Lazio faithful in such a pivotal encounter, emphasizing the need for passion and fight.

This deep understanding of the derby’s unique cultural importance is something Sarri consistently tries to instill in his squad.

A Season of Difficulty & Patience

Looking at the broader picture, Sarri reiterated his message from the start of the season regarding the challenges that lie ahead. He has consistently preached patience, and the recent results only reinforce this sentiment.

I have said from the beginning of the year that I had to bring great patience, and the whole environment must bring it. It is a year of great difficulty, we knew it, but for yesterday’s match, there is no reason for great concern.

The key, he said, is to face the challenges with unity. Sarri’s long-term vision requires a collective understanding that immediate gratification might not always be possible.

A Call for a “Great Family” ahead of Lazio vs Roma

Sarri concluded with a powerful message for the entire Lazio family, urging everyone to come together during this testing period. He believes that strength comes from unity, especially when facing adversity.

We need to stick together, help each other, and become a great family. Every family goes through difficult moments, and now it’s time to suffer together. The large presence of fans yesterday is a good sign for the environment, we must have faith in them. The nervousness shown by some players? We must learn to manage moments. Sometimes we get too nervous, sometimes the referee gives us some yellow cards for protesting that we can avoid, we tend to be very targeted in general.”

He acknowledged that every family goes through difficult moments and that this is a time for everyone – players, staff, and fans – to suffer together. He pointed to the large number of fans who traveled to Reggio Emilia as a positive sign of the environment’s commitment. He believes that by facing adversity as a single unit, they will eventually have moments to celebrate.

He also addressed the perceived nervousness of some players and a history of being targeted by referees, urging them to manage their reactions and focus on the collective goal, rather than letting external pressures or officiating decisions derail their performance. This internal focus, he suggests, is vital for success.