Maurizio Sarri refused to get involved in a new refereeing controversy after Lazio’s 0-0 draw with Cremona at the Stadio Olimpico, instead urging that issues be raised with the club.
The Azzurri extended their unbeaten run to seven games but the result was frustrating, with Lazio struggling to convert possession into clear-cut chances. Sarri admitted the recent changes had disrupted the flow of the attack.
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“Some changes can take away your automaticity,” he explained, pointing to the positives against Cremona, who had previously scored against Milan and Bologna.
“The disadvantage was that the technique was very poor in the first half and there were some basic mistakes. In the second half we picked up the pace but we did too little to win.”
Availability in the squad remains a major issue, especially in midfield. “In Udine we had to field one man and now we have maybe two midfielders,” admitted Sarri.
PARMA, ITALY – DECEMBER 13: Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri watches the Serie A match between Parma 1913 and Lazio at the Ennio Tardini Stadium on December 13, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabatini/Getty Images)
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“This has been going on for months. When you play 10-12 games with at least five people missing, sooner or later you pay the price.”
Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri remains silent over criticism of referees
When asked directly about the referee’s decision, Sarri stood firm. “Please contact the club,” he said. “The last time I spoke about referees, the club issued a statement to the contrary.” When pressed again, he added pointedly: “If I had taken a stand, I would have been suspended. Why don’t you take one?”
Sarri also defended striker Valentin Castellanos, attributing his struggles to tactical adaptation and the injury layoff of the last two months. “Either our style doesn’t suit him or he’s going through a difficult moment,” Sarri said, expressing confidence in the goal’s return.
ROME, ITALY – AUGUST 31: Lazio’s Valentin Castellanos celebrates his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between Lazio and FC Verona of Greece at the Stadio Olimpico on August 31, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paul Bruno/Getty Images)
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Despite the frustration, Sarri was cautious about the bigger picture, insisting Lazio were growing mentally and tactically. He reiterated his desire to stay in the long term but concluded: “It’s not just up to me. I would love to stay here but all situations have to be assessed.”
