Lazio coach reflects on the 2–2 Coppa Italia draw with Atalanta in an unusually quiet Stadio Olimpico
Maurizio Sarri admitted that SS Lazio are beginning to adapt to the unusual atmosphere created by the fan boycott at the Stadio Olimpico.
The Biancocelesti drew 2–2 with Atalanta BC in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semifinal, a result that leaves everything to be decided in the return match on April 22.
Lazio took the lead twice during the match but were pegged back on both occasions, missing the chance to secure a home advantage before the trip to Bergamo.
“With 45,000 Fans We Might Have Won”
The game took place in a largely empty stadium after organized Lazio supporters continued their protest against the club’s ownership.
For Sarri, the absence of the usual crowd was impossible to ignore.
“Unfortunately the team is almost getting used to this situation,” he said after the match. “It’s sad to say because it really is a depressing atmosphere.”
The coach believes the energy of a full Olimpico could have made the difference.
“Tonight you still have the feeling that with 45,000 people in the stands we might have won the game.”
Tactical Decisions and Individual Performances
Sarri also addressed several tactical choices that shaped the match.
He explained that midfield selections were influenced by the need for speed and attacking runs against Atalanta’s defensive structure.
“For certain situations we needed specific characteristics,” Sarri said. “When Dele-Bashiru gets into space he can reach incredible speed and cause problems for anyone.”
By contrast, Taylor offered more quality in possession but less explosive pace, which required careful adjustments depending on how Atalanta defended.
The Lazio coach also praised the performance of Nuno Tavares, highlighting the defender’s progress in recent weeks.
“He has worked a lot on himself,” Sarri said in his post-match press conference. “Tonight’s performance was the natural consequence of that work. He played an organized game, defended carefully, and chose the right moments to attack.”
Maldini’s Role in the System
Sarri also responded to questions about the positioning of Daniel Maldini, who has been used in a slightly different role than many observers expected.
“Some people say he should play in another position,” Sarri said. “But I’m the coach and I decide where he plays.”
Traditionally a left-sided attacking midfielder, Maldini has been deployed in a more unconventional forward role within Sarri’s system.
“He has always played as a left attacking midfielder, but that role doesn’t exist in our formation,” the coach explained. “I’ve often used an atypical striker and in some situations he interprets that role well.”
Sarri added that the player still needs to develop greater scoring instinct.
“The assist he provided today is part of his skill set, but he also needs to be ready in front of goal. Scoring is something he still needs to improve.”
A Squad That Needs Balance
Looking at the bigger picture, Sarri acknowledged that Lazio’s season has been affected by injuries and a lack of attacking depth.
“To have more consistency we would need a group of forwards capable of guaranteeing more goals,” he said.
According to the coach, the squad could benefit from better balance across positions.
“We’ve often found ourselves short in certain roles. In my opinion this is a squad that needs to be rebalanced.”
All Eyes on the Second Leg
Despite the frustrations, Sarri was satisfied with the overall performance of his players.
“In a moment that seemed difficult, the team delivered a good performance,” he said. “We had to suffer at times, but we stayed in the match.”
With the semifinal finely poised after the 2–2 draw, Lazio and Atalanta will settle the tie in the return leg on April 22 — with a place in the Coppa Italia final on the line.
