Lazio Manager Maurizio Sarri Resigns After Fifth Defeat In Six Games

Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri has tendered his resignation after a challenging period marked by a fifth defeat in six games across all competitions. 

The recent 2-1 home loss to Udinese on Monday further exacerbated Lazio’s struggles, leaving them in the ninth spot in Serie A, seven points adrift of the final European qualification place.

The team’s recent woes also included elimination from the Champions League last week at the hands of Bayern Munich. Sarri, 65, who joined Lazio in 2021, opted to step down after a tenure that initially saw success. 

In the previous season, he guided Lazio to a commendable second-place finish in Serie A, their best league performance since clinching the title in 1999-2000.

Assistant manager Giovanni Martusciello has assumed an interim role following Sarri’s departure. Lazio faces an upcoming fixture against third-bottom Frosinone on Saturday, with a challenging Italian Cup semi-final against Juventus looming over two legs next month.

Sarri, known for his managerial stints at Chelsea, Napoli, and Juventus, spent the 2018-19 season at Chelsea, securing the Europa League title and achieving a third-place finish in the Premier League. 

His successful tenure at Napoli included Serie A manager of the year honours in 2016-17, while he clinched the Serie A title with Juventus in the 2019-20 season. The recent downturn in Lazio’s form prompted Sarri’s decision to step down, marking the end of his managerial stint with the club.

Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi