Sarri Admits Making Noslin ‘Fault’, Rants at Roma Derby Timing: “I Won’t Show Up”

Lazio Substitutes Made the Difference Against Cremonese

Back to the match, Sarri believed that his substitutions played a decisive role in turning the result upside-down in the second half.

We started well, took control of the game with ease, even in building from the back. The first half was more organized than the second, but we lacked ruthlessness in the final 20 meters. The substitutions gave us something different—we became ‘messier’, but also more dangerous.

Sarri Has Learned to Appreciate Tiijani Noslin

Speaking of substitutes, Tijjani Noslin was the ultimate star of the show, providing the assist for Gustav Isaksen’s equalizer, and scoring the late winner himself.

Sarri admitted he had initially struggled to comprehend the Dutchman’s role, which may have hindered the player’s chances at the start of the season.

Maybe it was partly my fault. I struggled to define him. He can play many roles but isn’t specialized in one; then I realized that in certain matches he can make the difference. I think he’s a player who, depending on the phase of the match, can play as a central striker or out wide.

Noslin started his cameo as a centre-forward after replacing Daniel Maldini at half-time, before moving to the left wing following Boulaye Dia’s introduction.

Sarri Explains Nuno Tavares’ Growth

Aside from Noslin, Nuno Tavares was arguably the best Lazio player on the pitch. Sarri explained how he forced the Portuguese player to transform into a well-rounded left-back.

How did I work with him? I left him out. I told him I wanted a full-back who could push forward but also defend, not someone who could only attack. He responded with commitment and is having an outstanding second half of the season.

Rovella’s Return & Maldini’s Woes

The Lazio manager highlighted the importance of having Nicolo Rovella back at his disposal, while defending the struggling Maldini.

Rovella had a disastrous season—two operations, months without training. He’s not in optimal condition, but he can improve in these final games. When he plays, you realize how much he’s been missed. I see Daniel as I always have: potentially very good, but then he gets lost in unnecessary things in the final third. He has every possible justification. It’s not an easy situation for him—he can’t reach peak physical condition, also because he hasn’t been training consistently.

Will Sarri Stay at Lazio?

Finally, Sarri suggested he has somewhat accomplished his objective for the season by helping develop a young group of players, while admitting that his fate will hinge on the club’s ambitions for next term and whether they’re willing to confirm the current core.

From the start of the season, the goal was to take a group with limited chances of competing for Europe and help it grow. It’s been a turbulent campaign, but the group has developed and now has a different level of substance. Do I feel like continuing with them? It depends on whether this squad will still be here or not. That doesn’t depend on me, so I can’t say.