Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri has, on Wednesday, revealed his hope that his side will be drawn against Spanish heavyweights Barcelona in the knockout rounds of the Champions League.
Sarri, and Lazio, marked their return to action a short time ago, making the trip to Madrid for a Champions League group stage final day meeting with Diego Simeone’s Atlético.
When all was said and done, the Biancocelesti were condemned to the wrong side of a 2-0 result, owing to goals on the part of Antoine Griezmann, and Samuel Lino.
Nevertheless, though, they have marched on to the competition’s Last-16, after racking up 10 points from the club’s first five outings.
Lazio will, in turn, take their place in next Monday’s highly-anticipated knockout stage draw. And, as alluded to above, boss Maurizio Sarri is in no doubt as to which opponent he is hopeful of his side being pitted against.
Speaking to the media this evening, the Italian tactician revealed that he has set his sights firmly on Xavi’s Barcelona.
“I’d like to face Barcelona in the round of 16, honestly,” Sarri told Sky Sport, as cited by Fabrizio Romano. “It’d be my pick as I’ve never faced Barça as a coach and it’d be a wonderful experience.”
https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1735069172919361862
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Conor Laird | GIFN
