Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri had complaints of his own despite Juventus being furious about Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s goal being allowed to stand
Maurizio Sarri acknowledged that Lazio’s first goal in their 2-1 win against Juventus on Saturday might have been disallowed, but also claimed that Juventus was lucky not to have two players sent off during the match.
Despite Adrien Rabiot’s equalizer, Lazio secured the win with goals from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Mattia Zaccagni, maintaining their impressive run in Serie A.
Sarri claimed Juventus cannot complain too much about the goal allowed to Lazio in Saturday’s match as they were fortunate not to have two of their players sent off.
Juventus were unhappy that Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s goal in the 38th minute was allowed to stand as the midfielder appeared to nudge Alex Sandro in the back before scoring.
However, Sarri believes that Manuel Locatelli and Juan Cuadrado could have easily been given red cards. Despite Adrien Rabiot’s equalizer, Lazio emerged victorious thanks to goals from Milinkovic-Savic and Mattia Zaccagni.
Sarri concedes Savic’s goal might’ve been disallowed
“From where I was, my impression is that the referee could have called for a foul,” Sarri told DAZN. “But I also got the impression Juve could have ended with nine men.
“There was a Locatelli foul that was worthy of a red card and Cuadrado should have had a second yellow card. That was clear when he was substituted off straight after.”
The goal scored by Sergej Milinkovic-Savic was allowed to stand by referee Marco Di Bello after consulting the pitchside monitor. He believed Alex Sandro had gone down too easily under contact.
Juve’s assistant coach Marco Landucci, who was standing in for the unwell Massimiliano Allegri, did not want to focus on the decision.
“The referee decides. Juve fans would say it was a foul. Lazio fans would say it wasn’t. but the only opinion that matters is that of the referee,” he said.
“All I can say is that our first half was below par, whereas we did much better after the break. We deserved to score again and the draw would’ve been the fair result.
“As usual, we accept the result on the field. We don’t stir up controversy over these things.”
Lazio star Zaccagni is more delighted about Lazio’s solid position in the Serie A table. Sarri’s men claimed their second home victory over Juve in 18 attempts than any personal milestones he may achieve.
“They’re both beautiful to hear, but second place is worth much more [than scoring 10 goals],” he said. “I always want to improve and hope to continue as I am.
“It’s going to be very difficult staying second. There are many teams around us. so we have to stay focused and score as many points as possible between now and the end.”
