Luis Alberto reveals old club Lazio ‘run by people who don’t understand football’ | OneFootball

Former Lazio midfielder Luis Alberto has described his old club as being “run by people who don’t understand football”  as he looked ahead to Sunday’s Derby della Capitale clash against Roma.

The Spanish midfielder was involved in many Rome derbies himself as a player during his time in the Italian capital between 2016 and 2024 and spoke to Il Messaggero ahead of the game, with quotes via FirenzeViola.

ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 08: Matteo Guendouzi and Luis Alberto speaks during the Serie A TIM match between SS Lazio and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on October 08, 2023 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Luis Alberto: ‘Lazio is run by people who don’t understand football’

According to the Al-Duhail man, the management at Lazio have “got a lot of things wrong”, particularly in handling key figures such as Simone Inzaghi, Igli Tare and Maurizio Sarri.

“It was clear then that we wouldn’t get anywhere,” he added, “when people who don’t understand football take over, it becomes difficult.”

However, the Spaniard was full of praise for Biancocelesti head coach Maurizio Sarri, “Thank goodness there’s a coach who speaks his mind and understands football, at least he does. But if the rest of the people don’t follow him…”

SASSUOLO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 14: Maurizio Sarri during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and SS Lazio at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on September 14, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Ahead of Sunday’s derby against Roma, Alberto concluded, “It will be a match of anticipation, almost frighteningly so.”

There is a lot at stake for Lazio on Sunday, not just bragging rights over their fierce local rivals. A disappointing start to the season has seen Sarri’s side pick up just three points from their opening three matches.