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Sarri clarifies derby boycott threat was only provocation
·17 May 2026·130d ago

Sarri clarifies derby boycott threat was only provocation

Source: Forza Roma

Maurizio Sarri spoke before Lazio's derby against Roma on 17 May, walking back his earlier suggestion of not attending the match. The Lazio manager insisted his comments were provocative in nature, explaining: "My statement was only a provocation. I would never have left the players alone in this cauldron because I have too much respect for them. It was simply expressing my opinion on the League, which in my view is not managing our championship and our product—which is already struggling—in the best way." Sarri used the occasion to criticise the Italian football authorities' scheduling and management practices. He highlighted the day's congestion, noting that five teams were playing matches worth 70–80 million euros each, and lamented the timing of the derby itself at 12:00. He referenced two previous Roma derbies staged in uncomfortable conditions: one at 12:30 with 35 degrees in the shade, and another in late May at 12:00. Sarri extended his critique to youth football, citing Lazio's Primavera fixture on 16 August at 12:00 and a Friday match at 11:00, both poorly attended. He concluded: "Fewer experts in sports politics and more people who understand football. For them, playing at noon or in the evening is the same, but football is something else entirely. They don't know the smell of the grass."

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Testo Originale / Source Text

“Le parole del tecnico biancoceleste: "La mia era una provocazione. La Lega è incapace di gestire il campionato. Serve più gente di calcio e meno politici" Redazione 17 maggio - 11:51 Dietrofront Sarri e Gasperini se la ride: "No, ha detto che non sarebbe venuto!" Maurizio Sarri ha parlato ai…”

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