Lazio held on for a 0-0 draw away to Atalanta at the New Balance Arena, with Maurizio Sarri admitting that fatigue and injuries shaped the match. The coach felt his team controlled the first half before suffering in the second.
“In the first half we didn’t suffer,” Sarri told Sky Sport, via LaLazioSiamoNoi. “In the second we struggled because several players had just returned. Beyond the spirit, we also showed quality.”
SASSUOLO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 14: Maurizio Sarri during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and SS Lazio at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on September 14, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – Getty Images)
Sarri: ‘Lazio are playing with survivors’
Sarri stressed that Lazio are battling through an emergency scenario and making tactical choices purely based on availability.
“Right now we’re playing with survivors,” he said.
“Both our line-ups and our formation have depended on who was available. In Genoa we had seven out, eight against Torino, and today we recovered some players at the last minute.
“I even struggled to manage the substitutions because I knew some would ask to come off.
“These last three games have been the most difficult to manage in my career, so credit to the boys – two draws and a win in this situation was not guaranteed.”
ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 13: SS Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri looks on ahead of their UEFA Champions League match against SS Lazio and Bayern Munchen at Formello sport centre on February 13, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – Getty Images)
Sarri sees improvement at Lazio despite setbacks
Despite the difficulties, Sarri sees growth.
“As a group we’re improving in a tough moment. Tactically and technically, we still need to grow.”
The coach also praised Toma Basic, who has returned to prominence in recent weeks.
“In the year we finished second he played more than 30 matches. He has not only made himself ready, but involved. What surprises me most is his personality – he is taking responsibility on the pitch with real confidence.”
You can read our match report for the 0-0 draw here.