Maurizio Sarri threatened to eject any Lazio fans abusing Vedat Muriqi during an open training session and the footage is remarkable.
The 62-year-old has replaced Simone Inzaghi in the Stadio Olympico hotseat and is hoping to re-establish himself as one of Europe's elite coaches.
He'll need players on his side to do that and he's already earning their trust in any way possible.
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Muriqi joined Lazio from Fenerbahce last summer and struggled, scoring just once in Serie A.
Some fans have already decided they've seen enough and made insulting comments towards the Kosovo international.
A furious Sarri halted the session, approached the fans and said: "If I hear you say anything against Muriqi, I'll make you all leave."
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The firm statement was met with applause by other fans in attendance, who shouted 'grande!' [great] repeatedly to Sarri.
Social media has reacted to the clip and they've praised Sarri for diffusing the situation while also backing his player.
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Muriqi admitted back in November that his Lazio career has started poorly, but is confident the goals will come.
He said per the Laziali: "I feel good. I've had a couple of difficult months psychologically, but it's not a question of pressure, at most the pressure pushes you to give more.
"I had a muscle injury, then COVID-19 and so I lost time to train with Fenerbahce and Lazio.
Now I feel a bit better, but I have to get used to Italy, learn the language, adapt to a completely new culture, different from the ones that I know already.
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"I need a little time and then my goals will come, even if results are more important."
Ciro Immobile leads the line for Lazio, who finished 6th in the table.
Featured Image Credit: ZachLowy/Twitter & PA ImagesTopics: Maurizio Sarri, Lazio, Football, Serie A, Italy
