Sarri: "I Attempted To Minimize The Number Of Rotation Squads Because It Was Very Risky Tactically. It's An Important Tournament, And We Need Important Players."

Maurizio Sarri stated that he rotated his squad as little as possible to send a message to his players regarding the Coppa Italia round of 16 match that took place on Thursday (19/01) evening local time at the Stadio Olimpico.

Felipe Anderson's solitary goal helped Lazio to a 1-0 victory over Bologna in the 16th round of the Coppa Italia. This outcome was necessary to reach the quarter-finals, they will now face Juventus who beat Monza 2-1.

"We encountered a formidable opponent, Bologna, who has collected nine points in the last five games, they are difficult to defeat, so we have performed well," Sarri said via the Lazio Style Channel.

Without Immobile, who is injured, Felipe Anderson is forced to assume the role of a false nine, he may also play this role in the upcoming match against Milan in Serie A.

"It wasn't easy in the first hour of play without a striker, but we managed to create four or five opportunities to score and that was a good performance."

"I attempted to minimize the number of rotation squads because it was very risky tactically. I wanted to send a message to the team. It's an important tournament, and we need important players."

This includes Luis Alberto, who originally had the potential to be sold out during the January window, he instead became a significant part of Sarri's 4-3-3 formation.

"He has matured to the point where he lacks nothing, he is a complete player now."

The Biancoceleste will face Milan in Serie A on Saturday, Sarri is concerned that the team will seek revenge for their 3-0 loss to Inter in the Super Cup last Wednesday

"I'm concerned because Milan is a formidable team that they have beaten three times prior and will have a strong response. I'd be more content if they won the Italian Super Cup 3-0.”