Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri was delighted with their 4-1 win at Genoa.

Ciro Immobile struck a hat-trick for the triumph.

Sarri said, “We played a good game. It was normal that the first few minutes were difficult, they're intense, aggressive, with lots of long balls. They're difficult to play against, but we played with quality on the ball and created a lot of situations.

“Defensively we did well, even though it was a dirty game because of the way Genoa play. We've been doing well on the road lately, but unfortunately we lost the derby.

"I wanted there to be strong messages. The team has won four in the last five, that game becomes inexplicable and I wanted a strong message from myself or the club."

Sarri also praised Manuel Lazzari for his performance.

“I think I've always been flexible and the vision journalists have is different, as is the label they have given me. The characteristics of a striker are determined in order to choose how to play, but I also did it in the past with Ronaldo, with Hazard, who set a goal record.

“With Lazzari, the credit always goes to the players. He didn't shy away, he worked hard and started playing as a full back, a role he can do with a cigarette."