GdS: ‘Two Tuscans at complete opposite ends’ – Allegri and Sarri’s styles compared

AC Milan vs. Lazio will be a game of opposites from a managerial perspective; whilst the managers may be considered in the same bracket, they are very different.

Massimiliano Allegri vs. Maurizio Sarri, Milan vs. Lazio. A game unlikely to be too fierce, considering the season so far, and how the former has normally dictated games. However, taking a look at the sidelines (and maybe a bit deeper), there is some ferocity.

Allegri vs. Sarri

Gazzetta dello Sport writes how the pair first met over 20 years ago, but the relationship never blossomed. Put it this way, they would not go to dinner together, with Gazzetta stating they are not fond of each other.

Allegri tips the scales with wins, being successful in 11 of their 19 clashes, potentially showing that the result-oriented football is more important than the ‘playful’ approach of Sarri. For the Lazio coach, playing well is the most important thing, whereas the Livorno-born coach has stated regularly that entertainment is secondary to him.

Both from Tuscany, the sparks have flown fairly regularly. In 2017, when Napoli played Juventus, the two were in a spat of words before the game, and later that season, it emerged again. Allegri even stated that Sarri effectively did not have pressure or responsibility.

Then, there was the fact that Sarri replaced Allegri at Juventus in 2019, something which didn’t really help the relationship. The now-Milan coach summarised it perfectly in 2022, ‘In terms of character, we’re opposites […] He’s doing a great job, Lazio is a well-coached team’.

A positive relationship may not be there, but there is certainly some respect. This weekend’s instalment will be an interesting watch, indeed.