Jose Mourinho was never going to let a 3-0 victory over Roma’s Eternal Rivals – the Giallorossi’s most emphatic derby win since the 1990s – pass by without drawing attention to his own involvement.
Just look at that smile for heaven’s sake. Pure, unfiltered self-satisfaction, contorted into the most puffed-up grin you ever did see. We defy you to find a more smug-looking man located outside of the Top Gear tent.
But if Roma’s thumping win over Lazio, inspired by their 23-goal talisman Tammy Abraham, was the highpoint of the Jose Mourinho era, then what did it represent for his opposite number? Another nail in the coffin? The beginning of the end?
Well, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, a parting of the ways – just a couple of weeks after Lazio were holding talks regarding a new contract – is starting to become a very real possibility.
There were plenty of eyebrows raised when reports emerged claiming that Lazio were ready to hand Maurizio Sarri improved terms in February. The tab-chewing tactician might have turned a similarly sized club in Napoli into one of Europe’s most enthralling sides before guiding Chelsea and Juventus to silverware, but Sarri’s Lazio reign has been, well, more frustrating than thrilling.
Is Maurizio Sarri leaving Lazio?
The cigarette-swilling Italian also held negotiations with Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy. Prior to the ill-fated appointment of Nuno Espirito Santo, that is (CM).
So, as far as Lazio were concerned, luring a coach of Sarri’s stature to the Stadio Olimpico felt like one hell of a coup. A statement appointment capable of rivalling the one made on the other side of the city.
Ambitious president Claudio Lotito probably expected more than a seventh-place finish and a Europa League round-of-32 exit at the hands of Porto when he shook hands with Sarri ten months ago though. Not to mention the club’s Roma derby defeat since the turn of the Century.
According to Gazzetta, that Roma result ‘calls everything into question’. Including Sarri’s future. Both he and Lotito have doubts about the direction of this Lazio side. Doubts about the club’s transfer plans. Doubts about their performances.
There is a clause in Sarri’s contract allowing him to terminate his deal before the season ends.
The big question, now, is whether he jumps before he’s pushed.
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