Biancocelesti coach calls for the perfect mentality against Inter: “We crossed the desert without water”
Maurizio Sarri has delivered a clear message ahead of Lazio’s Coppa Italia final against Inter Milan: belief and mentality will be just as important as tactics.
Speaking before the decisive clash, the Lazio coach acknowledged that his side enter the final as underdogs, but insisted the psychological approach could make all the difference.
“We have to believe, to the point of madness,” Sarri said.
“Of course tactics matter, but if the mentality is the same as in our league match last Saturday, then tactics go out the window.”
“We crossed the desert without water”
Sarri reflected emotionally on what has been a difficult and demanding season for Lazio, praising the resilience shown by his squad throughout the campaign.
“I’m proud of this season, especially of the attitude the team has always shown,” he explained.
“We may have made mistakes in some matches, but we never gave up. We crossed the desert without water… and that is a source of enormous pride.”
The veteran coach also stressed the progress the team has made since the beginning of the season.
“From the start of the year, we have definitely improved.”
“This trophy would belong to the players”
Sarri, who lost both a League Cup final with Chelsea F.C. and a Coppa Italia final with Juventus FC on penalties, downplayed the personal importance of lifting another trophy.
Instead, he focused entirely on his players and supporters.
“This trophy would belong only to the players. They deserve it,” he said.
“I’ve had a long career—winning or not winning won’t change my life. But it would be beautiful to give satisfaction to the players and the fans.”
Squad updates ahead of the final
Sarri confirmed that almost the entire squad is available, with only goalkeeper Ivan Provedel ruled out for the remainder of the season.
However, several players are still not at full fitness.
“Cataldi trained for the first time today. Medical conditions are one thing, physical sharpness is another,” Sarri explained.
“Pedro is not fully fit either, but he will play part of the match. He has played many finals and always performed well in them.”
The Lazio coach highlighted the experience and mentality of Pedro Rodríguez as potentially decisive.
“He has scored in 80 percent of the finals he has played. He’ll be useful to us.”
Zaccagni’s rallying cry
Captain Mattia Zaccagni echoed his coach’s determination and urged the team to seize the moment.
“We earned this beautiful final, and now we will do everything possible to bring the trophy home.”
For Lazio, the Coppa Italia final represents not only a chance at silverware, but also the perfect ending to a turbulent season—one Sarri believes his players fully deserve.
