Maurizio Sarri has criticised Lega Serie A, claiming they are demonstrating an inability to manage Italian football. Sarri stated, “There are too many experts of sports politics and no football experts. These people do not know the smell of the grass.”
Sarri’s Derby Day Displeasure
Sarri initially said he wouldn’t show up for a Sunday lunchtime derby. However, he was present and voiced his opinion. Sarri clarified that his statement was a provocation. He stated he would never leave the players alone.
Sarri said it was his opinion on the Lega, which he believes isn’t managing the championship and its product in the best way. He added that the product is already struggling.
Scheduling Conflicts and Concerns
Sarri highlighted the decision to play at midday despite five teams competing for nearly 80 million. He suggested that this decision impacted the public perception of the league. Sarri noted they played one derby at 12:30 and another at 12.
He referenced a Primavera league game where Lazio played at 12 in August. According to Sarri, nobody wanted to be on the pitch and there was nobody in the stands. Sarri questioned how players in this context could be ready to play at San Siro in a few months.
Sarri criticised the scheduling of the derby against Roma at 12, which was agreed upon by the Lega and the Prefecture due to the Internazionali di tennis final scheduled for 17:00 at the Foro Italico.
Sarri believes a day where five teams are competing for almost 80 million could have been used to improve public opinion, but instead, they decided to play at midday.