Lazio vs Sarri: A bitter divorce waiting to happen

Lazio will head into the final 11 games of the 2025/26 Serie A season with little left to play for beyond restoring some pride.

A tally of 34 points from 27 matches represents a disappointing return for a club that began the campaign targeting European qualification. Manager Maurizio Sarri has struggled to get consistent performances from a squad that appears short on quality and depth.

The bookmakers reflect that reality, with odds of around 80/1 for Lazio to finish in the top six highlighting just how far the club has slipped this season. Here’s a look at Lazio’s upcoming Serie A matches:

• March 9 – Lazio v Sassuolo
• March 15 – Lazio v AC Milan
• March 22 – Bologna v Lazio
• April 4 – Lazio v Parma
• April 12 – Fiorentina v Lazio
• April 19 – Napoli v Lazio
• April 26 – Lazio v Udinese
• May 3 – Cremonese v Lazio
• May 10 – Lazio v Inter Milan
• May 17 – Roma vs Lazio
• May 24 – Lazio vs Pisa

Finances are making life tricky for Lazio

Although Lazio and Sarri are expected to part company at some point, the divorce is unlikely to be finalised until the end of the season.

Bologna and Fiorentina have been touted as potential destinations for Sarri, despite him overseeing a thoroughly underwhelming season with Lazio.

The team has recorded just two wins in their last 12 Serie A games. More worryingly, the Biancocelesti look devoid of ideas whenever they fall behind.

The last goal from open play by a centre-forward dates back to Tijjani Noslin’s effort in the 1-0 victory over Parma on December 13.

The club’s finances have influenced their ability to do business in the transfer market, which has significantly increased Sarri’s frustration.

His sour mood has impacted the players, who collectively look like they are running on empty. The recent 2-0 defeat at Torino was the Lazio’s third successive game without a goal.

Sarri rarely keeps his emotions in check, and his post-match comments about the team being ‘switched off’ will not have pleased the club’s hierarchy.

However, as is often the case in professional football, finances are making life tricky for Lazio. Sarri has made it clear he will not walk away from his lucrative salary before the season ends.

He believes the club’s transfer strategy is responsible for the current state of play and is understandably unwilling to be painted as the bad guy in front of the fans.

Sarri predicted what would happen this season if players were sold to balance the books and his prophecy has come to fruition.

The board mistakenly thought that his return to the club would deliver success in Serie A, but then proceeded to force him to work with one hand tied behind his back.

The club will be hoping that one of their Serie A rivals offers Sarri a route out of the club so they can avoid making a sizeable payout if they dismiss him.

However, this position effectively leaves Lazio drifting along aimlessly for the remaining 11 games. Relegation to Serie B is not out of the equation.

Lazio are 10 points above the drop zone, which should be enough of a buffer. Unfortunately, their run-in is packed with difficult fixtures.

Seven of their remaining 11 games are against teams currently in the top 10. Their other four games all have the potential to be tricky.

Lazio should have enough about them to steer clear of trouble. From there, the club needs a undertake a significant summer reset.

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