Lazio boss Maurizio concedes that if he had a choice, he would rather win the Derby della Capitale against Roma than their Conference League match against Alkmaar. The Biancocelsti boss was speaking (as quoted by LaLazioSiamonoi) after his teams goalless draw against Bologna, a match that saw Lazio create chances but struggle in front of goal. Sarri touched on the condition of his squad, notably Ciro Immobile, and also discussed the importance of the derby and why it will be disappointing to not have Roma boss Jose Mourinho on the bench following his suspension:
“It was a serious match in terms of the level of focus and application, also at the level of quality of football. We didn’t do as well in the final third, we created chances and had shots, but clearly we’re missing Ciro Immobile right now.”
“Vecino’s booking? I was surprised by the number of cautions in one of the most fair matches I have seen this season.”
“On the bench there was a situation that was not easy, Cataldi was not well, he had knee pain after Tuesday’s match, we brought him in but he was not well and I did not want to risk him since he was cautioned. Patric got stuck with his back in the warm-up. Luis ALberto started throwing up in the first half. This was a well-run match where if you had a couple of offensive changes it was useful to make changes, otherwise there was no point.”
“Milinkovic-Savic? I don’t think he should rest, I think he’s well physically. He has very good numbers, maybe among the best of the season, he is not 100 percent but he is playing some great games from an attitude point of view, we are left to wait for him to be 100 percent which would add a lot.”
“Immobile? I know he will have checkups on Monday, based on that then we’ll have a talk about when recovery will be possible. Let’s see how the situation progresses first.”
“What do we have to do to get through the next round of the Conference League? Score goals and not concede. AZ is a team that can concede goals but they are also dangerous, we have to try to keep them in their half of the pitch as much as possible. I have to be honest to the end, this is a match that has to be seen with the optics of the match we will play three days later and if I have to make a choice I choose the one three days later (the derby against Roma ed).”
“Mourinho? I am sorry not to see him on the bench, I think it’s a loss also for the atmosphere, I would have preferred to meet him.”
“Pellegrini? We weren’t sure if Hysaj could make it to the end that’s why he warmed up all the time. In the second half he was about to come off, then having also taken a painkiller he started feeling better and was able to finish the match.”
