Sarri, challenge to Milan and many controversies “Unsportsmanlike tournament”

The Lazio coach against the cup formula

MILANO

Refined football on the pitch, robust dialectic outside. Maurizio Sarri takes up the pickaxe, this time to attack the Italian Cup formula, on the eve of the Lazio-Milan quarter-final at San Siro. «I believe that, as it is made, it is the most unsportsmanlike event in the world. With a draw that no one knows where, by whom and when it is done. And the whole thing is clearly built to get certain teams to get live on television, ”says Sarri who had already criticized the busy schedule and the close positioning of the championship match following a Europa League match.

The League highlights this contradiction of the Tuscan coach who considers the number of matches excessive and at the same time does not approve a competition designed to limit the competitions of the teams involved in the European cups. The formula of the Italian Cup already places the first eight classified from the previous Serie A in the round of 16, thus saving two rounds compared to the other teams in the top division.

A bit of spice in the approach to a challenge between two teams who, for the rest, can only smile. Lazio is back from a 3-0 win in Florence, Milan from the victory in the derby that reopened the championship fight.

“We will not back down – continues Sarri – in the league we are in no man’s land, the Italian Cup can become an important goal”. Milan, at the top of the list of priorities, overtake leaders Inter. But the Italian Cup cannot be snubbed after the elimination from the Champions League which, having arrived with 4th place in the group, also involves the failure to repechage in the Europa League: “We want to get to the bottom and win this trophy,” confirms Stefano Pioli.

Theo Hernandez was on the pitch from the start, disqualified for the championship match with Sampdoria after being sent off in the derby. For the Frenchman there was also a 5 thousand euro fine for the provocative gesture to Inter fans when they left the pitch. It went worse for the Nerazzurri who have to face Napoli at Maradona on Saturday. Two days in Bastoni for “insulting expressions” to referees and assistants in the changing room tunnel, 10 thousand euros in Lautaro for the fight with Hernandez, one turn and 15 thousand euros in Inzaghi for “seriously disrespectful expressions” against Guida. Inter will decide today whether to appeal. –