Sarri: ‘Inter clearly stronger, need crazy Lazio willing to die for result’

Maurizio Sarri warns ‘Inter are clearly the stronger team and it will take 25 crazy people who are ready to die for a result’ to get something at San Siro tomorrow, but he’s up for the challenge.

It kicks off at San Siro on Sunday at 19.45 GMT.

Following a poor start to the campaign, the Biancocelesti have found some form, going unbeaten for six rounds, including a 1-0 victory over Juventus.

However, that pales in comparison to Inter’s march and the coach is eager to temper expectations for his supporters.

“It is clearly obvious to all that Inter and Napoli have the strongest squads in the league, while the Nerazzurri also played two Champions League Finals in the last three years, so they are among the best teams in Europe,” said Sarri in his press conference.

“This was always going to be a very difficult match, but unfortunately in recent years the gap between us and these teams has expanded.

“Even if we play our best football, it’s still going to be extremely tough, but we have to see it as an opportunity.”

Inter have continued to flourish after the arrival of Cristian Chivu to replace Simone Inzaghi.

“It is not fair to judge a coach after three months, but considering his impact and characteristics, he can become a top level tactician. I like those who have had over 100 Serie A games, but also coaches who only worked at the lower levels. I certainly was impressed with his character.”

There are injury problems piling up for Lazio, who already have a limited squad due to their transfer embargo.

Alessio Romagnoli is a major doubt to feature with a thigh issue, while Taty Castellanos, Matteo Cancellieri, Nuno Tavares, Nicolò Rovella, Samuel Gigot and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru are all out of action.

“We will make a decision on Romagnoli tomorrow morning, but he trained pretty well today. We’ll see how he feels when he wakes up tomorrow and decide with the doctor,” explained Sarri.

Many expected Lazio to struggle far more than they actually are so far this season, but again the coach warns it’s early days.

“Anyone can tough it out for a month, but if you do it for 11 months, then you’re really strong. It’s all premature, but I can say everyone initially assumed we wouldn’t even be in the running for the European places, as many sides behind us have reinforced on the transfer market.

“There was the risk we’d find ourselves very low down the table, but now we’ll have to see if we can maintain the growth process.

“Let us not put unnecessary expectations upon us and where this Lazio can arrive this season. We cannot at this moment play on level terms with Inter, but that doesn’t mean we won’t go there and give it our best shot,” replied Sarri to questions about their ambitions.

“We are going there aiming to get a result and we must be humble. It’s clear Inter are the stronger team, but we must add belief to that knowledge, real belief, not the one you put on for the media that isn’t worth a damn.

“What we need are 25 crazy people who are ready to die to achieve a result. With that attitude, we can have a great performance.”

The main problem for Lazio is scoring goals and there are some areas they need to keep working on.

“We are worse than before in terms of attacking those spaces, especially on set plays, and we are talking about it with the team. We don’t attack the ball and often the place where it lands isn’t ideal either.”

Sarri also hinted there is still a lack of clarity behind the scenes on when the transfer embargo can be lifted.

“If the club tells me whether the transfer market is open or not, then they can sort out contract renewals. Call the President and ask him.

“There are many players who are close to the expiry date and who ought to be renewed, unless the club has €100m to spend on new players. For the rest, talk to the club.”