Fri Oct 04 18:50:07 UTC 2024: ## Lazio Coach Sarri Confident Ahead of Napoli Clash Despite Conte’s Threat
Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri has expressed confidence ahead of his side’s upcoming Serie A clash against league leaders Napoli, despite the presence of former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte on the opposing bench.
“It will be a very difficult game,” Sarri admitted to the press, “but we will go to Naples without fear, playing our game and trying to make things difficult for them. There is no doubt that if we want to win, we will have to play a great game. It will be a great test for us.”
Sarri acknowledged Napoli’s formidable form, highlighting their impressive squad and the coaching prowess of Conte. “Napoli is the team in the best form in the championship with many players who won the championship two years ago and on the bench a coach, Antonio Conte, who is among the best of the last ten, fifteen years,” he said. “They are the best team seen so far with a recognizable game, clear ideas, and after the match in Verona they found a lot of solidity.”
Despite the challenge, Sarri remains optimistic, stating that his team is in good shape. “Only Cerri will be missing as he has not recovered, the others are all fine,” he confirmed. The recent victories against Atalanta and Verona have generated positive energy within the squad, but Sarri is wary of potential complacency. “There is perhaps too much euphoria at the moment, and this is something that is not good. We must remain focused and continue to work as always with our mentality. I think it is the head that makes a team truly strong and mister Conte in this aspect is the best.”
Sarri also expressed respect for Conte, who was his manager during his time at Chelsea. “He is certainly one of the best coaches I have had and I have the utmost respect for him,” he said. “At Chelsea he taught me many things and also a new mentality. He was very important in my growth as a footballer. I have excellent memories.”
Sarri believes in the depth of his squad and is ready to rely on all his players. “I have a lot of faith in my boys, even those who play less. The championship is long and we will need everyone,” he stated.
Finally, he commented on the recent international call-ups for Lazio players Nico Paz and Patrick Cutrone. “We need to be very cautious, Nico is 20 years old and is young,” he said regarding Paz’s potential call-up to the Argentinian national team. “He still has a lot of room for growth and must think about working. Cutrone is a fundamental player for us. I met with mister Spalletti and we spoke, I think that if he continues to play as he has done so far he could have a chance of being called up.”
First Piper 