Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri has urged his team to approach their upcoming fixtures with a selective mindset, saying he aims to “pretend the next two games don’t exist” ahead of a clash against Inter Milan. This comes despite the fact that those two matches include the Italian Cup final and the Rome derby.
The match took place at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on May 12, with both sides set to meet again just a day later, on May 13, for the Italian Cup title decider. The final carries significant weight as it could secure Lazio a spot in the Europa League or hand Inter Milan a domestic double after clinching the Serie A title.
Due to a long-standing alliance between the ultras of both clubs, Inter fans joined Lazio supporters in boycotting this fixture as a protest against Lazio president Claudio Lotito. However, both sets of fans are expected to be in full attendance for Wednesday’s final.
Speaking to DAZN Italia, Sarri explained his tactical thinking regarding team selection: “I’m trying to pretend the next two games don’t exist. If you don’t commit from the start, you risk falling behind and playing poorly. We have to give everything today, with the right attitude, and only after tonight can we start thinking about the next game.”
On the lineup front, Inter Milan were able to rotate after sealing the Serie A title, while Lazio continued to deal with injuries. Mattia Zaccagni, Danilo Cataldi, Ivan Provedel, and Samuel Gigot were all unavailable. However, Nicolò Rovella made his first start since recovering from a collarbone fracture, and Pedro was chosen to lead the attack.
Sarri elaborated further: “Rovella is recovering and needs match minutes. Zaccagni suffered a foot contusion in training yesterday. Pedro is in good shape, so this was the best choice. We are optimistic about Zaccagni’s situation—it’s just a bruise, nothing serious. He should be available for Wednesday.”