New Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri stopped training to issue a strong response to fans insulting striker Vedat Muriqi.
Muriqi joined Lazio last summer from Turkish giants Fenerbahce. However, he only scored one goal in 27 Serie A appearances during his first full season in Italy.
The 27-year-old, who had played in Turkey for six years before making the move, scored his only league goal at the end of January against Atalanta.
Four days later, he came off the bench and netted his second goal of the season in a Coppa Italia tie, also against Atalanta.
The 27-year-old did, however, end his season on a strong note. He scored four goals during Kosovo’s 4-1 win over San Marino in an international friendly at the beginning of June.
Journalist Zach Lowy reported that, during a Lazio training session, fans present insulted Muriqi.
Sarri then intervened and stopped training, before telling fans: “If I hear you say anything against Muriqi, I’ll make you all leave.”
He then received a round of applause as he walked away from the fans, with shouts of ‘Grande Mister!’ clearly being heard in the above clip.
Sarri was appointed as Lazio manager last month after the role’s previous incumbent Simone Inzaghi joined Inter Milan. It is his first role since being sacked by Juventus in August 2020.
At Juve, the 62-year-old guided his side to the Scudetto in his only season in charge, and finished as runner-up in the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana.
He had initially joined the club from Chelsea, where he won the Europa League – the first major competition he had lifted in his managerial career.
Lazio kick off their Serie A season on August 21 with a trip to newly-promoted Empoli.
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