Lazio boss celebrates a hard-fought win over Atalanta, calls for more goals, and sends a message to fans ahead of the final
Maurizio Sarri couldn’t hide his satisfaction after guiding SS Lazio into the Coppa Italia final.
Following a tough semifinal clash against Atalanta BC, Sarri praised his team’s resilience — and singled out one standout performer.
“A Difficult Game, a Deserved Final”
Speaking after the match, Sarri highlighted the challenge his team had just overcome.
“This was an extremely difficult game — a knockout match against a strong side in a tough stadium,” he said. “The players deserved this moment.”
Lazio’s path to the final has been anything but easy, eliminating top teams along the way, including AC Milan and Bologna FC 1909 before knocking out Atalanta.
“We earned this opportunity,” Sarri added. “Now we have to make the most of it.”
Motta the Hero
The spotlight quickly turned to Marco Motta, whose penalty-saving performance proved decisive.
“His numbers on penalties are extraordinary,” Sarri said. “We’re talking about impressive statistics.”
Motta reportedly saved multiple spot kicks in recent matches, establishing himself as one of the most effective penalty specialists in Serie A.
Still, Sarri made it clear that development is key:
“He has great potential, especially physically and mentally. But he must stay humble and keep improving — particularly with his feet.”
The Missing Piece: Goals
Despite the victory, Sarri pointed to a recurring issue.
“What I ask from the team is simple: score goals,” he said. “It’s something we’ve lacked throughout the season. We need to improve.”
It’s a familiar theme for Lazio — a team capable of controlling games but sometimes struggling to convert chances.
A Message to the Fans
Sarri also addressed the relationship with supporters, particularly in light of uncertain attendance.
“I’ve always respected people’s choices,” he said. “If they come to the final, we’ll be delighted. If not, I’ll respect that too.”
He recalled the fans’ presence at the airport and expressed hope they would show up for the decisive match.
“If they surprise us and return, I’ll be the happiest coach in the world.”
Eyes on the Final
For Sarri, reaching the Coppa Italia final is an important milestone — but not the end goal.
Experience alone won’t be enough.
“Being there isn’t enough,” he said. “We need to take the final step.”
After a challenging season, Lazio now has a chance to turn it into something memorable.
