Lazio chief: ‘Sarri is world class on and off the field’

Lazio director Angelo Fabiani backs coach Maurizio Sarri for his comments about Inter ahead of tonight’s clash. ‘He is world class, both on and off the field.’

It kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s five Serie A games on the Liveblog.

The Biancocelesti seem to have found form lately, as they are unbeaten in six matches, including four consecutive clean sheets.

Nonetheless, Sarri has been eager to tamp down expectations, insisting they are on a completely different level to tonight’s opponents Inter.

“Sarri is world class, both on and off the field,” noted Fabiani on DAZN Italia when asked about these comments.

“It is only right that we don’t create the kind of expectations that can excessively weigh on the lads, so what he said is right, and that is fine.”

Lazio had been struggling badly until after the Derby della Capitale, then seemed to discover a newfound unity.

“It was a very difficult start to the season also due to injuries, but all the players and those who didn’t get as much room did well to show character,” added Fabiani.

“We emerged brilliantly from a tricky spell. Our only bad performance was against Como, whereas the defeats to Sassuolo and in the derby were harsh.

“We had the strength to get back on our feet and never give up.”

The Lazio injury list continues to grow, as Alessio Romagnoli passes a late fitness test, while Nuno Tavares, Matteo Cancellieri, Taty Castellanos, Samuel Gigot, Nicolò Rovella and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru are out of action.