Sarri tells Lazio to take inspiration from Atalanta: ‘We have to take this path’

Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri feels that there is a lot to learn from Wednesday’s Coppa Italia semi-final opponents, Atalanta, and suggests that La Dea are the clear favourites heading into the midweek cup tie. 

Sarri sat down for his pre-match press conference on Tuesday ahead of the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final between Lazio and Atalanta. 

Lazio have already defeated Milan and Bologna in order to qualify for the Coppa Italia semi-final, and will now have to take on an in-form Atalanta, who beat them 2-0 in Serie A just over two weeks ago, in order to claim a place in the final. 

Sarri on Lazio vs. Atalanta, need for investment and taking inspiration from La Dea

During his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Sarri was keen to make it clear that there is a level in quality between the two Coppa Italia semi-final opponents. 

At the beginning of the season, Sarri described this campaign as being ‘year zero’ for Lazio.

Asked if he still thinks that is the case, Sarri said: “It was clear from the beginning that this is how the situation would be. We have to be patient, on everyone’s part. I’ve done that, it would be nice if everyone did the same.” 

And when asked how important tomorrow’s cup clash against Atalanta is, Sarri said: “It’s not massively important in terms of our future. Next year will have to be ‘year one’ and not ‘year zero’. 

“Tomorrow, we will have to play a very difficult game against a strong, Champions League team. We have to have pride, we’ve reached the semi-finals by eliminating last year’s finalists.” 

Asked what needs to change in order for Lazio to see significant improvement next season, Sarri said: “I spoke with the sporting director just half an hour ago. The decisions are made by the club, but nothing changes. We will have to make investments for ‘year one’. It’s difficult to understand which players will be on the market in a few months’ time, so it’s not easy to plan.” 

Sarri was also asked where the differences between Lazio and Atalanta lie, given that Atalanta seem to perform consistently well year-on-year, while Lazio seem to struggle in that respect. 

“Atalanta has been on a long journey that began 10 years ago, which has led to them conquering Europe and making different levels of investment compared to 10 years ago” said Sarri. 

“Now they can afford players of a certain level and the gap increases. Lazio have to take this path and make investments to return to Europe, with consistency, and have a better economic picture.”