UEFA Europa League: How Lazio’s “Sarriball” principles led them to a superb attacking performance against Feyenoord – tactical analysis

This week was the start of the group stage in this season’s UEFA Europa League and Lazio got off the flyer with an empathic 4-2 victory against Feyenoord at the Stadio Olimpico.

Maurizio Sarris side came into the game after suffering their first defeat of the season to Napoli last weekend. They were unbeaten before that. However, they have only kept one clean sheet and they currently sit in ninth place after five games played in Serie A.

Feyenoord has been playing with confidence, having won three consecutive games. They came into the match knowing any type of result would be beneficial for them to qualify as this fixture is likely to provide them with their hardest test in a group including Sturm Graz and Midtjylland.

This tactical analysis will focus on the key principles of Maurizio Sarri’s tactics in this match and how they were fundamental to Lazios victory.

Lineups and tactical approach

Danilo Cataldi started the game instead in place of Sergej Milinković-Savić. This was due to Cataldi being suspended for Lazios next Serie A match. It provides Sarri with the chance to rest Milinković-Savić. Elseid Hysaj returned to the starting line-up game against Feyenoord.

For Feyenoord, both full-backs Marcos Lopez and Lutsharel Geertruida missed this match. Slot continued with Danilo and Patrik Walemark as both players looked to have struck a good partnership, following two goals for Danilo, both provided by Walermark.

Maurizio Sarri and Arne Slot both used their traditional 4-3-3 as their base formation.

In possession, Lazio transitioned into different attacking shapes as their positional play approach was dominant throughout. They switched between a 2-3-5 and a 2-3-2-3 at various points.

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