Transfer Market Blocked? The Coach Remains Central to the Project. After a Summer of Planning, On-Pitch Work Starts Today.
Lazio begins its training camp today, and Maurizio Sarri is the central figure. There`s a strong desire to work and overcome the current challenges. The club is starting fresh under `the Commander`, without European commitments and facing a frozen transfer market. With no new players arriving this summer, Sarri`s return is seen as the key to moving forward, building on their previous work together. From the summer of 2021 to March 2024, they achieved notable success, including finishing second in Serie A in 2023 and reaching the Champions League knockout stage against Bayern Munich. Sarri`s second tenure isn`t just a temporary fix; it`s a mutual belief that they can pick up where they left off after his sudden resignation 16 months ago following the home loss to Udinese.
Priorities
From today`s training camp at Formello, Sarri starts building his revamped Lazio side. The goal is to re-establish the team`s identity, returning to the 4-3-3 formation after Marco Baroni`s brief use of a 4-2-3-1. Beyond tactics, the focus is on instilling the `Sarrismo` mindset, defined in the Treccani dictionary as a football philosophy emphasizing speed and attacking play. Speaking recently in Castiglione della Pescaia, Sarri explained his vision: `If we can first generate enthusiasm within the club and the squad, then logically the fans will also be entertained…` He also emphasized the need to keep key players like Gila, Romagnoli, Rovella, Guendouzi, and Zaccagni as a foundation for the new era. However, the futures of Rovella and Guendouzi are uncertain due to their €50 million release clauses expiring on July 31st. In addition to Pedro`s expected renewal, Vecino, another player trusted by Sarri, has also extended his stay. Given the lack of incoming transfers, Sarri must adapt existing players to his system. He had specifically requested a left-sided central midfielder, a role similar to the one Luis Alberto played under him previously. This position will be tested with Dele-Bashiru. The 24-year-old Nigerian, primarily used as an attacking midfielder last season, could become a tactical asset if he develops into a box-to-box player. Vecino offers a proven alternative in this role. Another tactical question mark is Tavares. The Portuguese full-back needs to find a better balance between his attacking runs down the left flank and defensive duties. How the new attacking trio will integrate around Zaccagni, who might have a more significant role in build-up play, also remains to be seen. In goal, Provedel is likely to regain the starting spot after Mandas was preferred in the final months of the last season.
Prospects
Maurizio`s return has undeniably boosted confidence. His connection with the Lazio environment remained strong even after his departure in March 2024. This bond is now a key factor guaranteeing the success of `the Commander`s` new chapter at the club. The positive start to the season ticket campaign is a clear indicator, fueled not just by fan loyalty but also, to some extent, by Sarri`s comeback. General sale starts today, following a successful pre-sale period that saw nearly 20,000 season tickets sold, surpassing last year`s numbers for the same period. Sarri`s presence at Lazio signifies the return of a football master capable of developing both the team and individual players through daily training. He is also expected to champion the squad`s rejuvenation project, despite the limitations imposed by the current transfer market freeze. Sarri had expressed hope that they could `also rejuvenate the team a bit` before the market difficulties became apparent. Under his guidance, players like Gila, Provstgaard, Rovella, Dele-Bashiru, Isaksen, and potentially Mandas, could make significant strides in their development, starting right away at the Formello training camp.
