Giovanni Martusciello, the assistant coach of Lazio, expressed profound disappointment following the team’s agonizing 2-1 loss to a struggling Udinese side, highlighting the prevailing atmosphere of negativity. The Biancocelesti entered the match eager to bounce back after their recent elimination from the Champions League; however, persistent issues in converting scoring opportunities continued to haunt them, compounded by the absence of Maurizio Sarri, who was serving a suspension and observed the match from the sidelines.
Udinese seized a 1-0 lead shortly after halftime courtesy of Lorenzo Lucca, but their advantage was short-lived as Mattia Zaccagni swiftly forced an own goal from Lautaro Giannetti, leveling the score. Almost immediately thereafter, Udinese regained the lead through Oier Zarraga, securing a 2-1 advantage that they maintained for the remainder of the second half, clinching only their fourth victory of the season.
In an interview with DAZN via TMW, Martusciello initially reflected on Lazio’s defeat to Udinese, expressing his sentiments on the outcome.
“In the second half we took to the pitch with the same desire as in the first half, with the difference that we went behind after the first mistake.
“It’s clear that if they equalise straight away and then take the lead again it becomes tough, there’s an aura of negativity that made us pay dearly for every situation.
“You have to put on your heart and accept the right criticism, if there’s no enthusiasm it becomes really hard.”
He was queried regarding the defensive capabilities exhibited by the midfielders and forwards within the tactical framework of Lazio’s system.
“If we take the goals conceded tonight as an example, we can’t be satisfied. In the defensive phase, however, I notice that everyone wants to make their contribution. Sometimes we do well, sometimes not.
“Maybe we lack the spirit of initiative. It was necessary to make an extra run to guarantee ourselves solidity. On Udinese’s first goal we were six or seven in the penalty area, which means that there was correct positioning but little focus.
“Compared to other teams, we mark the spaces in the penalty area well. We make mistakes being aggressive, it’s clear.”
The assistant coach of Lazio elucidated the rationale behind his decision to substitute Ciro Immobile and Luis Alberto during the latter half of the match.
“We wanted to introduce fresher players and increase the attacking pressure. Udinese made life difficult for us because they put so many players in the area. I don’t know if Immobile and Castellanos can play together.
“They are two central strikers, they step on each other’s toes and the conditions aren’t there. It takes time to improve certain situations. I’m not saying that they are poor, but that there is work to be done.”
Martusciello was asked why Lazio have declined so much this season.
“We are playing every four days and against teams of a certain level. In Turin we won despite many difficulties, then there was a lot of chasing between unfavourable situations and midweek games.
“There was no chance to regain energy, we get to games with a shortness of breath, especially on a mental level. The boys run, and a lot, but if you come from three defeats you risk causing confusion.”
In conclusion, Martusciello addressed the status of Ivan Provedel, who sustained an ankle injury during the latter moments of the game.
“There’s nothing new, he felt pain in his ankle.”