Lazio commenced their pre-season training camp today, with the returning figure of Maurizio Sarri firmly at the forefront. The atmosphere is one of readiness to work and overcome current challenges, particularly a restrictive transfer market.
With no new signings arriving this summer, Sarri`s return for a second spell at the helm is seen as the primary guarantee for the club`s path forward. This belief is rooted in the progress made during his initial tenure from 2021 to March 2024, highlighted by a second-place finish in Serie A in 2023 and reaching the Champions League round of 16 against Bayern Munich. His comeback isn`t merely a tentative step but a shared conviction from both the club and the coach to resume the journey that was abruptly interrupted sixteen months ago following his resignation.
Rebuilding Identity: The Core of “Sarrismo”
Beginning this morning at the Formello training base, Sarri is tasked with constructing his new Lazio side. The immediate goal is to restore the team`s identity through his preferred 4-3-3 formation, moving away from the 4-2-3-1 deployed under Marco Baroni. More than just a tactical shape, the foundation will be rebuilt upon a distinct mentality – that of **Sarrismo**. Defined even by the esteemed Treccani dictionary, this philosophy centers on speed and an attacking orientation in football.
Speaking a month ago, following his return announcement, “The Commander” elaborated on his vision: “If you can ignite a sense of fun in the environment first and then in the team, the public consequently has fun too…” This sentiment encapsulates his desire to create an enjoyable style of play. To facilitate this, he requested the confirmation of key players – Gila, Romagnoli, Rovella, Guendouzi, and Zaccagni – viewing them as essential components for a new cycle. The situations of Rovella and Guendouzi, however, remain uncertain due to their €50 million release clauses valid until July 31st.
Navigating a Blocked Market: Adapting the Squad
While veteran Pedro`s renewal was anticipated, the extension of Vecino`s contract, another loyalist to Sarri, adds further depth. Yet, the absence of incoming reinforcements means Sarri must primarily adapt existing players to fit his system. He had reportedly sought a left-sided midfielder, a role previously occupied with great success by Luis Alberto. In this position, 24-year-old Nigerian Dele-Bashiru will be tested. Primarily utilized as an attacking midfielder last season, his potential evolution into a box-to-box player could prove a crucial tactical key for the new Lazio. Vecino presents another established option for this role.
Among the tactical puzzles for Sarri`s second term is Tavares. The Portuguese full-back will need to find a better balance between his attacking runs on the left flank and his defensive contributions. It also remains to be seen how the new attacking trident will be configured around Zaccagni, who may be given more responsibility in the build-up phase. Between the posts, Provedel is likely to reclaim the starting goalkeeper spot after losing it to Mandas in recent months.
Future Outlook: Confidence and Development
Maurizio Sarri`s return has undeniably brought a renewed sense of confidence to Lazio. His strong bond with the club`s environment endured despite his departure in March 2024, a connection that now serves as another stamp of assurance for this new chapter. This feeling is reflected in the remarkably positive start to the season ticket campaign. Driven partly by the fans` affection, a significant measure is also attributable to Sarri`s presence. General sale commenced today after nearly 20,000 season tickets were sold during the priority phase for previous holders, exceeding last year`s figures for the same period.
Sarri back at Lazio also signifies the return of a true footballing “maestro” capable of developing both the team and individual players through dedicated daily work. He will need to champion the squad rejuvenation project, which this summer has been heavily constrained by the transfer embargo. Sarri himself had expressed hope to “see if we can also rejuvenate the team a bit” before the market difficulties became fully apparent. Under his guidance, starting from the Formello training camp, young players such as Gila, Provstgaard, Rovella, Dele-Bashiru, Isaksen, and potentially even Mandas, could accelerate their progress towards becoming key figures for the future.