Sassuolo 1-0 Lazio: Sarri leaves after match ‘for family reasons’; Ianni ‘Sorry to disappoint the fans’ | OneFootball

Lazio were defeated 1-0 by Sassuolo this evening, with a goal from Gambian forward Alieu Fadera separating the two sides.

Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri was expected to speak to the press after the game but the club revealed the coach left the Mapei Stadium at full-time, “for family reasons.”

Instead, assistant coach Marco Ianni spoke in his place, with quotes via La Lazio Siamo Noi.

Lazio assistant Ianni: ‘Pity to disappoint the fans’

SASSUOLO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 14: Maurizio Sarri with US Sassuolo head coach Fabio Grosso prior 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 Marco Rosi – Getty Images)

“We did far too little to win it,” Ianni opened with a harsh critique, “At certain points we had it under control but we were slow in our play.”

“We created far too little. Lazio must do more, it is a pity to have disappointed the fans who came in large numbers.”

Another disappointing result for the Biancocelesti sees the side lose two of their first three games of the season.

This comes after a tedious summer for the Roman club, who were placed under a transfer embargo and unable to sign any new players.

Ianni: ‘Lazio must create more and find balance between organised and dangerous’

SASSUOLO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 14: Valentin Castellanos kicks the ball 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 Marco Rosi – Getty Images)

Ianni was asked how the team can improve their offensive capabilities, to which he replied:

“By our characteristics. We don’t have midfielders who score many goals so we need to focus on ball circulation. At times in the first half, Ianni added, “we controlled the match, but we were too slow and predictable and it is difficult to hurt opponents like that.”

“Finding the solution is not easy,” the assistant said, “today we conceded little but also created far too little. The solution is to put those who play up front in a better position to attack but probably the speed of the ball and speed of ideas are what we need to improve.”

Finally, Ianni admitted “The team manages to be fairly organised on the pitch,” before adding, “but then we need to find the balance between organised and dangerous. The right mix between balance and threat. Beyond this, a lot of energy is needed to come to Sassuolo and win. They are an excellent team with important players.”

Sarri’s side now have one week to prepare for next Sunday’s Derby della Capitale against fierce-rivals Roma, who also suffered a 1-0 loss today at the hands of former Biancocelesti coach Marco Baroni’s Torino.