Sarri: ‘Lazio cannot do without Romagnoli’ ahead of reported Al-Sadd transfer

24.01.2026 22:24

Maurizio Sarri insists Alessio Romagnoli is a player Lazio ‘cannot do without’ ahead of a reported transfer to Al-Sadd, as the defender starts against Lecce.

It kicks off at the Stadio Via del Mare at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.

The Aquile are feeling the pressure after a poor run of results, culminating in Monday’s 3-0 home defeat to Como, while there was also more controversy in the media today.

Sarri tries to keep Lazio on track

PARMA, ITALY – DECEMBER 13: Maurizio Sarri, Head Coach of Lazio, looks on prior to the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and SS Lazio at Stadio Ennio Tardini on December 13, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“It has been a difficult week after we lost clearly, but this is part of the season, these things happen, and the week after it is never easy,” Sarri told Sky Sport Italia.

“We should also not make a drama out of it. We must react, but do so with clear heads.”

There are multiple sources confident that Romagnoli has put in a transfer request and is on the verge of a €7m transfer to Al-Sadd, but the defender is in the starting XI anyway this evening.

“Romagnoli is the player who leads our defence, he is a player who for me we cannot do without, so if he is here, then he plays,” replied Sarri.

It is not entirely new, as Matteo Guendouzi started his final match for Lazio with a deal already in place for Fenerbahce.

ROME, ITALY – APRIL 13: Alessio Romagnoli of SS Lazio celebrates a opening goal during the Serie A match between Lazio and Roma at Stadio Olimpico on April 13, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Another surprise is in attack, where the choice was expected to be between Tijjani Noslin and new buy Petar Ratkov, but instead it is Boulaye Dia who makes his first appearance of 2026.

“Dia returned a few days ago from the Africa Cup of Nations, he was sharp and bright in training, so I decided to give him a chance.”

Sarri had said that he saw the wrong attitude in their 3-0 defeat to Como, so what does he think the team will do this evening?

“Como are a team who sap you of enthusiasm, as they control the ball in an extraordinary way and you are forced to chase them around.

“I expect a strong response today, but a clear-headed one. I do not expect to see the team be irritable or tense.”

Danilo Cataldi is suspended, with Nicolò Rovella, Samuel Gigot and Gil Patric injured, but Toma Basic and Matias Vecino return.

ROME, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: Boulaye Dia of SS Lazio compete for the ball with Tiago Gabiel of US Lecce during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and US Lecce at Stadio Olimpico on November 23, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Lecce vs. Lazio line-ups

Lecce: Falcone; Veiga, Siebert, Tiago Gabriel, Gallo; Gandelman, Ramadani, Coulibaly; Banda, Stulic, Pierotti

Lazio: Provedel; Lazzari, Gila, Romagnoli, Marusic; Taylor, Vecino, Basic; Cancellieri, Dia, Zaccagni