He found out about the problem later. The coach returned to Lazio expecting to pick up where he left off and perhaps do even better, even though the Biancocelesti’s squad once boasted greater quality. Sarri’s Lazio will still line up in his trademark 4-3-3, but without new signings the real work will have to be done on the training pitch, developing new talents and working on new positions.
Normally, building a project means investing in young, talented players who can grow together. For Lazio, that percentage of work must instead come entirely from internal development, to be more precise from the work on the pitch. This season, more than for coaches like Gian Piero Gasperini or Cristian Chivu, the club’s fate depends squarely on Sarri’s work.
Other coaches can address specific needs through the market, Gasperini wanted a certain midfield profile, and Roma signed Neil Aynaoui; Chivu wanted physicality and pace, and Inter brought in Ange-Yoan Bonny. Sarri, by contrast, must make do with what he has. If he needs a particular skill set, he must reshape an existing player to fit the role.
Experimenting
Midfield, a decisive area for Sarri’s style, will be especially challenging. He has Nicolo Rovella, Danilo Cataldi, Matias Vecino, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Mateo Guendouzi, a couple of high-quality options but no natural fit for the centre-left role once filled by Luis Alberto.
Sarri is currently experimenting with Dele-Bashiru, who is still adapting, while Rovella, the presumed playmaker, may also be tried on the left: obviously he is the designated regista.
In attack, Sarri will also need to proceed with great care. At centre-forward, he can alternate between Boulaye Dia and Taty Castellanos, with the evergreen Pedro as an emergency option. On the wings, Mattia Zaccagni remains the undisputed star, though Toma Basic could unexpectedly carve out a role for himself. Just weeks ago, Sarri blocked his transfer in order to work with him, and the player’s growing tactical versatility is already pleasing the coach. Lazio fans, however, will be looking above all to Castellanos to deliver the goals.
No margin for error
Truth is: there is no margin for error. Without transfers, talent must be cultivated in-house, with an eye toward future capital gains. Players must adapt to the team’s needs, and the entire burden falls on Sarri. The task seems daunting, but if any coach is accustomed to working under all conditions, it is him.
President Claudio Lotito must also show patience. In these circumstances, expecting targets like Champions League qualification would be unrealistic. This season must be treated as a stepping stone: a time to establish a tactical identity, a clear playing philosophy, and the groundwork for the Lazio of the future. It will not be easy. Far from it.
But Sarri has accepted the challenge, and now must see it through, supported not by transfers, but by public backing and unwavering trust. The mission is clear: everything rests in the coach’s hands.