Why Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri is threatening to boycott Derby della Capitale duties against Roma

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Martin Macdonald | Author

Maurizio Sarri has launched a scathing attack on Serie A officials after Lazio's Derby della Capitale against Roma was scheduled to take place at noon on a Sunday in midday May heat.

Lazio are currently eighth in Serie A, mathematically out of the race for a Champions League spot, but they do still harbour hopes of qualifying for Europe in some capacity, while they have the small matter of the Italian Cup final against Inter on the horizon.

Roma, meanwhile, are still in the battle for a top four finish, currently positioned in fifth, one point adrift of Juventus one spot above.

There is, therefore, still plenty on the line in the Derby della Capitale on 17 May so Sarri is upset that organisers have scheduled the kickoff for noon in the middle of May when temperatures could soar.

The former Chelsea boss has threatened to boycott his press duties for the game unless the kickoff time is changed.

"At the start of the season, we played the derby in 37-degree heat, now they are making us play in May at midday," he told reporters.

"It is an insult to the city of Rome, to two big clubs, and to the fans, so someone has to pay for that.

"I hope they won’t make us play at that time, and someone should resign just for proposing it. I can tell you now, if they do, I won’t show up for press interviews in protest. Ask the Lega Serie A why they didn’t make Inter and Milan play at that time."

More issues at Lazio

Lazio and Inter ultras have confirmed that they will boycott the upcoming Serie A match between the two clubs.

Inter ultras are showing solidarity with Lazio, who have been protesting the ownership of the Biancocelesti for the majority of this season, leaving the Stadio Olimpico nearly empty in a succession of home matches.

The current boycott is the boiling point of a twenty-year grudge match between the fans and club president Claudio Lotito. While he famously saved the club from bankruptcy back in 2004, the Curva Nord has officially run out of patience with his "low-cost" management style and what they see as a total lack of ambition. The protest, which began in earnest during the Genoa match on January 30, 2026, is a direct demand for Lotito to sell the club. Fans are tired of stagnant transfer windows and a leadership tone that feels more like a cold business operation than a football club they can dream about.

For most of the 2026 season, the Stadio Olimpico has been a ghost town for home fixtures. Aside from a brief "act of love" return for the AC Milan match in March, the Ultras have stayed away to hit Lotito where it hurts—the club's global image and match-day revenue.

Lazio and Inter fans will be in attendance for the Coppa Italia Final, however, after grouping together at Ponte Milvio for the Serie A fixture.

“For the final we will be inside the stadium,” a supporter group representative said.

“The decision to stay outside for the league match, together with Inter’s organised groups, was also taken to enjoy the build-up together. A way of lowering the tension and anxiety four days before the Coppa Italia final. It will be a chance to be together and pass on some communications to the fans present. On Wednesday we will need great clarity and everyone pulling together. I’ll say it now: get in early on Wednesday.”