Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri did not dwell on the underwhelming January window ahead of the Fiorentina game: “The transfer market is over, and we have moved past it. It is pointless to speak about it now, as it could create difficulties to the squad. There is nothing more to add. We will try to do our best with these players, and I do not want to give them any alibi. The group is serene and in good spirits.”
The manager was asked about newcomer Jovane Cabral: “We will see what he has to offer. I have not watched him a lot, but our staff did. He lacks conditioning, as he has missed 45 days with an injury. We tested him as a winger after he joined; we will try out whether he can play as a striker too. Felipe Anderson can feature as false-nine if necessary.”
Sarri expertly sidestepped a question about the disagreements with Claudio Lotito and switched the focus back to Fiorentina: “I talked with the president two or three days ago. We have a straightforward relationship. I told him what I was thinking, and he did the same. We did not discuss the extension. I am 63, and I do not fall into traps. We are about to face a tough opponent. The level of the Viola is very clear, and we will need to be extra focused. They approach games in violent fashion.”
The coach updated on the fitness of his players: “Pedro has recovered, but maybe he can not go to distance. Francesco Acerbi is practicing on the side, and he could be back in a matter of days. Stefan Radu is fine, like Adam Marusic, who was sick but practiced fully today. Dimitrije Kamenovic is unavailable due to bureaucratic delays.”