Delio Rossi, former Lazio manager, recently shared his insights on Radiosei’s “Non Mollare Mai” segment, analysing Lazio’s performance against Cagliari and addressing the goalkeeper situation. Rossi, who led Lazio to a Coppa Italia victory during his tenure from 2005 to 2009, offered a comprehensive review of the match and the team’s current standing.
Reflecting on the Cagliari game, Rossi noted, “Yesterday’s match was delicate, and overcoming it is a good omen. The first 10 minutes were so-so, but fortunately, unlike other times, Lazio didn’t concede a goal, partly because Cagliari didn’t create many chances.” He praised Lazio for taking the lead but pointed out that they could have managed possession better and potentially scored a third goal to secure the win earlier.
Rossi had particular praise for Isaksen, stating, “I think Isaksen doesn’t fully understand his potential. I’ve had many players like this; their performance can vary greatly depending on how they wake up. Yesterday he was in good form, moving well on both sides and showing a skilled foot. He’s not a player who carries the team, but when he’s on form, he’s an additional weapon.”
The former coach observed that Lazio appeared physically prepared in Cagliari, though he suggested that substitutions could have been made earlier. He commended Castellanos for his selfless performance, noting, “Castellanos didn’t play with presumption; on the contrary, he delivered a performance focused on sacrifice. This shows he’s also an intelligent person.”
Regarding Lazio’s prospects, Rossi was optimistic: “Championships are decided in April. The important thing is for Lazio to stay in contention for Champions League spots. Juventus and Milan have gained more from the market, Bologna is a wild card because they play well. No one had imagined Lazio could be in these positions in the standings: they can compete with Fiorentina and Bologna.”
On the topic of goalkeepers, Rossi defended Ivan Provedel: “I don’t see Provedel making big mistakes; he gives security to the defense. In recent years, he had perhaps overperformed, getting us too used to excellence. I don’t think there’s a problem between the posts. Paradoxically, Maignan, who I believe is at a higher level, seems to make more mistakes, as does De Gea.”
Rossi emphasized the primary role of a goalkeeper: “A goalkeeper must first know how to save. In the goal conceded against Fiorentina, the error was more Pellegrini’s, yesterday it was Hysaj’s.” He also praised Cagliari’s goalkeeper Caprile for his overall performance, despite a mistake against Zaccagni.
In conclusion, Rossi stressed the importance of clear hierarchies in the goalkeeper position: “On one point, however, we must be categorical: there must be hierarchies between the posts, a starter and a second choice.”
