Lazio wise to stay silent after AC Milan controversy: ‘We accept mistakes’

Lazio director Angelo Maria Fabiani feels they were wise to stay silent after the VAR controversy against AC Milan, as the teams meet again tonight. ‘To err is human, we accept mistakes are made.’

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome at 20.00 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.

The winners of this tie will go on to face Bologna in the quarter-final.

As there is no extra time at this stage of the tournament, if the teams are level after 90 minutes, they go straight to a penalty shoot-out.

These teams met on Saturday evening at San Siro in a controversial Serie A clash, which was won 1-0 by the Rossoneri thanks to a Rafael Leao goal.

All the focus was on the stoppage-time penalty appeal for a Strahinja Pavlovic handling offence, which was rejected following the VAR review for a supposed Alessio Romagnoli foul first.

Lazio held a press silence after that match, refusing to speak to the media, so are here commenting for the first time.

“In the heat of the moment, some uncontrolled phrases can be uttered, so now with cool heads, we feel it was the right decision to stay silent on Saturday,” Fabiani told Sport Mediaset.

“To err is human, and we accept mistakes are made. I thought overall the referee for the 90 minutes at San Siro was almost perfect, of course there are moments that make us change our minds.

“We believe that directors should be directors, players stick to playing, and referees allowed to be referees. At times, we directors shouldn’t push certain controversy, because after the final whistle, the verdict has already been rendered, it’s not going to change anything.”

Lazio continue to insist that was a mistake from the referee, whereas the chief of the refereeing association evaluated the incident and assured it should not have been a penalty.

Maurizio Sarri has made only two changes from the side that lost 1-0 to Milan at the weekend, bringing in goalkeeper Christos Mandas and striker Taty Castellanos.

The options are very limited, not just due to injuries, but also the transfer embargo that may or may not be lifted in January.

“There are still a few weeks to go, many things have been said about the embargo. We know what we need to do, we spoke to the President, to the coach, we have some pretty clear ideas, and are working in the shadows.

“There is a great rapport of affection and reciprocal respect with Sarri. He brings his experience, relaxes everyone, and we have seen improvements on the field too. We started a three-year project, he is our guiding light,” concluded Fabiani.