Sarri Reveals Why He Was Sent off Against Milan, Urges Lazio Youngster to Improve: ”Hope He Doesn’t Cost Us”

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The Laziali

·16 marzo 2026

Sarri Reveals Why He Was Sent off Against Milan, Urges Lazio Youngster to Improve: ”Hope He Doesn’t Cost Us”

Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri had an eventful evening as the Biancocelesti pulled off a memorable victory over AC Milan.

Lazio Beat Milan 1-0

Gustav Isaksen’s strike in the first half was the solitary difference between the two sides. The Biancocelesti were solid at the back, and managed to reach the finish line unscathed. In his post-match press conference (via LazioNews24), the manager commended his players for showing character and composure.

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In terms of intensity and commitment, the team has always been at a good level. Lately, though, it also seems to me that there’s something extra from a character standpoint. This is a team that is also improving in its build-up play. At times we’re able to move the ball around with decent quality. Then there are players who rely more on individual bursts because of their characteristics, but I see improvement in our passing sequences even in training.

Maurizio Sarri Enchanted by Stadio Olimpico Atmosphere

As promised, Sarri accepted the Lazio Ultras’ invitation to greet them under the Curva Nord ahead of the match. The 67-year-old was delighted to have the fans back at the Olimpico for this occasion, but lamented the negative effect the stadium boycott has had on his team’s results.

Tonight there was a wonderful atmosphere at the Olimpico; it would have been a great memory even without the result. The lads also gave the fans the satisfaction of the win, but this is an atmosphere worth remembering. It’s something special. My only lingering thought is how many points we would have if the Olimpico had always been like this.

Sarri Discusses Lazio Selections

Sarri also explained some of his selections, revealing why Daniel Maldini remains ahead of Petar Ratkov in the striker role, and his decision to field Patric as a deep-lying playmaker.

I watch the training sessions and decide, just as I do with everyone else in the squad. Right now I see Maldini doing better, and I think he had a good game today, so I play Maldini. I had already tried Patric in that role in previous years because he has quality on the ball. Of course he’s only played there for a game and a half, so he would need a proper pathway, but he does have that interpretation of the role.

Player Ratings: Lazio 1-0 AC Milan – Diavolo Can’t Handle Speedy Isaksen

Edoardo Motta Urged to Improve His Distribution

Edoardo Motta earned his first clean sheet in Lazio colours. The 21-year-old goalkeeper produced solid saves in the second half, but the manager fears his poor distribution could eventually prove costly.

Motta did well between the posts today. He made two or three mistakes with his distribution but then recovered. He’s a young player with qualities; he needs to grow, and we hope that growth doesn’t cost us anything.

Why Sarri Was Sent Off Against Milan

Sarri’s evening ended with a dismissal in the last minute. The Tuscan explained it was due to the foul language he used while protesting the number of added minutes.

He sent me off because he gave six minutes of stoppage time, then added two more. I asked him where the **** he’d pulled them from (laughs). I didn’t insult anyone — I used a strong expression and he sent me off.