It was one of the big events in Italy this weekend. The Croatian coach, Igor Tudor, led his first meeting at the head of Lazio Rome, after replacing Maurizio Sarri by signing a contract until 2025. A return to Serie A which was scrutinized from everywhere for the one who had left the Boot to join OM in 2022: “Coming to coach a prestigious club like Lazio, everyone wants to do it, it’s a prestigious team, with good players, with special supporters, we can’t not accept a challenge like that. I think we can do great things, we have to start working, with intelligence, because I come after a coach who advocated a certain type of football”, he announced during his official presentation at the head of the Roman club. And one thing is certain: the adventure is off to a flying start for Lazio Rome. Indeed, the Laziali pocketed a precious victory (1-0) this Saturday by overthrowing Juventus in the shock of the 30th day of Serie A.
“We can improve in offensive depth, in crosses, in distance and in intensity. We will work on it little by little. It couldn't have started better, I'm happy for the boys who interpreted it in the best possible way despite the short time and the return of the national team at the last moment. The ultimate goal? I don't believe in luck but only in work and the consequences of work are then seen in the match. I asked the team to leave in a serious and strong manner, I repeat: I am happy for the boys”, declared the former OM coach at a press conference after his team's success. Beyond the result and the content, the actors of Biancocelesti seem to transform in every way. Already a Tudor effect in Rome? This may seem premature, but nevertheless, everything suggests that President Claudio Lautito and the rest of the Lazio management have made the right choice for the succession of Maurizio Sarri.
Happiness and relief
If Igor Tudor is satisfied with this final goal from Adam Masuric, allowing Lazio to pocket three important points, the players are also happy with the first days under the direction of the former OM coach. Indeed, Pedro did not hide his praise of Tudor's management: “He asked us to press high and we did it well. It's an important match against a Juve that we will face in three days in the semi-final first leg of the Italian Cup and it will be another match. They are a very physical team and strong on the counter-attack, especially with Chiesa. This victory came at the end but I think it was deserved, it was important for us and for the fans.explained the Spanish striker, before paying tribute to the decisions of his new coach: “I haven't played this role for a long time, especially since the beginning and I'm happy. Maybe now it's better for me to play close to the striker without having to play all over the wing, but Tudor can put me wherever he wants..
The other point on which Tudor was going to be scrutinized was on his ability to manage the many burning issues left on the fire by Sarri, in particular the use of the summer recruit, Daichi Kamada or the veterans Ciro Immobile and Felipe Anderson: “Daichi played an important match, I have already said it and I confirm that he is suitable for this football, he can play in midfield and midfield, he controls the match, he has intelligence , a desire to suffer. Ciro knew he wouldn't start because we had spoken and he came in well, I saw him motivated. Felipe Anderson is an exemplary professional who never runs away while guaranteeing high quality, what more could you ask for?, concluded the Croatian who had made a strong choice by leaving aside his traditional 3-5-2 to align a more classic 4-4-2 for his debut in the Italian capital. Now it's time for revenge on Tuesday against Juventus in the Coppa Italia. A way to (already) follow up well.
