Sarri: "I'm Excited About This Difficult Match, The Team Recognizes The Importance Of This Game, As Guardiola Stated Against Atalanta, It's Similar To Going To The Dentist."

Maurizio Sarri is preparing for the game between Lazio and Atalanta to take place on Saturday (11/02) evening local time in the Serie A continuation at the Olimpico Stadium. The coach is excited about the upcoming match against Gian Piero Gasperini's squad.

"I'm excited about this difficult match, the team recognizes the importance of this game, so we must remove moments that knock us out of the game. Indeed, it has decreased, but still costs us in terms of points," the coach said in his press conference, as quoted by Football-Italia.

The Biancoceleste have lost 17 points from a winning position this season including a 1-1 draw in the second straight game in which they scored the first goal which prevented them from overcoming Roma in the third.

"This is a team that is developing acceptably, there is a difference in terms of professionalism and tactics compared to last season, but at the same time, it's frustrating because we never reach the final step in terms of quality.  We must attempt to do so tonight because as Guardiola stated against Atalanta, it's similar to going to the dentist." The coach said.

"I've discussed the team's desire to come out strong in the second half numerous times, but now I'm concerned it's adversely affecting the result.  Maybe I'll take a half-time break during practice and observe."

However Lazio beat La Dea in Bergamo 2-0 earlier this season, this was perhaps the greatest accomplishment of the Sarri era.

"It may have been a bad day for Atalanta, or we may have played exceptionally well, so we should expect them to be superb tomorrow, they are a team that will perform exceptionally well if they are physically fit, but will play mediocre if not in a good shape."