Following his team’s 1-0 win over Venezia, Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri gave his early thoughts on this weekend’s upcoming Derby clash against Roma.
The Biancocelesti and Giallorossi face-off in the latest installment of the Derby della Capitale on Sunday evening. It’s a match that’ll have European-place implications with Lazio sitting 5th in Serie A with 49 points while 7th placed Roma has 48.
“Roma have been very strong since the turn of the year and managed to strengthen in January,” Sarri told Sky Sport.
“They’re an opponent of the highest level, but it’s all relative. The Derby is always a match that stands on its own versus the rest.”
Though, the ex-Chelsea manager will be forced to play the Derby without Italian international Mattia Zaccagni at his disposal. The 26 year-old was booked for simulation late in the first half and must now serve a one-match suspension due to yellow card accumulation.
“I saw the replay, there was definitely contact. For me, not every bit of contact in the area should be a penalty, but a booking for simulation seemed extreme.”
Adding, “I’m not saying it was a penalty, but there knee-to-thigh contact. So in my opinion, he shouldn’t have received a yellow card for simulation, no way.”
