Sarri: "We Are Satisfied With The Team’s Performance Because We Played At A High Level Against A Strong Team In This Difficult Period. On The Other Hand, We Regret The Draw."

Maurizio Sarri admitted to mixed feelings after Lazio were held to a 2–2 draw by Atalanta in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi final on Wednesday, March 4, at the Stadio Olimpico. Lazio led twice through Fisayo Dele Bashiru and Boulaye Dia, but Atalanta hit back quickly on both occasions, equalising via Mario Pašalić and a late Yunus Musah strike that left the tie wide open ahead of the return leg in Bergamo.

Speaking to Sport Mediaset after the match, Sarri insisted Lazio’s overall level was strong given the circumstances. “We are satisfied with the team’s performance because we played at a high level against a strong team in this difficult period,” he said, before admitting the scoreline still hurt: “On the other hand, we regret the draw.”

The coach also made it clear that he felt the atmosphere mattered. The Olimpico was close to empty due to the ongoing protest and boycott from organised supporters, with reports describing only a few thousand spectators inside while chants and fireworks came from outside the stadium. Sarri suggested that a full home crowd could have pushed Lazio over the line, saying the result might have been different if the fans had stayed in the stands.

Despite dropping a one goal advantage twice, Sarri sounded confident about the second leg. “We’ll go there and fight to qualify, and if we play the way we did tonight, we can do it,” he said, framing the draw as a missed opportunity but not a fatal blow.

Sarri also returned to a theme that has shaped Lazio’s campaign: availability. He referenced a season repeatedly disrupted by injuries and absences, arguing that the league position reflects months of operating without a stable group. In his view, Lazio’s main challenge is not showing they can compete, but doing it consistently when key players are missing week after week.

The semi final will be decided in Bergamo in late April, with reporting around the tie pointing to April 21 or April 22 for the second leg, and the winner set to face either Inter or Como in the final.