Lazio 0-3 Inter – Sarri criticises Biancocelesti attitude & sees similarities in Chivu’s Inter

ROME, ITALY – MAY 09: Alessio Romagnoli of SS Lazio leaves the pitch after receiving a red card during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and FC Internazionale at Stadio Olimpico on May 09, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

He was more troubled, however, by what followed. “We need to understand why we had five clear chances in numerical inferiority, Isaksen alone could have scored three goals. We need to analyse this match without fear and understand that with this approach, there are no merits for Inter. It is our fault.”

Sarri also offered a frank explanation for the performance, making clear the players had not treated the fixture with sufficient respect.

“The approach today is the result of the fact that this match counts for nothing and Wednesday’s is fundamental,” he said. “It is a serious mistake to think that a match like today’s doesn’t matter, because a performance like this can create problems. Having a little fear of your opponents does you good, but being afraid can block you.”

Asked about Cristian Chivu‘s Inter, Sarri was generous in his assessment and identified shared footballing principles.

“They have phases of play at an excellent level, these are resonances,” he said. “They have a different formation, and it is right to play with two forwards given the characteristics of their attackers. They are a different team, but they have affinities with my idea of football.”

The fitness update ahead of the final was cautiously optimistic. Cancellieri is expected to have suffered only minor fatigue, Zaccagni underwent a scan on a painful foot contusion sustained in training and is hoped to be fit within four to five days, while Patric left the pitch with calf tightness that appears manageable.

Cataldi, who has been away receiving treatment, returns to training on Sunday. Rovella, who came on as a substitute, was not singled out for criticism despite the difficult circumstances he entered into.