ROME (ITALPRESS) – The extraordinary victory against AC Milan must give further conviction, but now the championship must give way to the Europa League, where Lazio is preparing to face the first leg of the round of 16, against Viktoria Plzen. What good things were done in the super group, which closed as top scorers, will have to be confirmed in the knockout phase; the table is fully within reach of the biancocelesti, who can and must try to go all the way in the competition.
Baroni knows this well, but he has no intention of letting his guard down. “We feel the responsibility but it’s part of our job. Here we play like there is no tomorrow, we cannot make calculations. The importance of the match obliges us to do so, we cannot make mistakes. The team will not make a mistake performance, although we have had little time to prepare for the game we know what we have to do. This is a difficult field, Viktoria has put everyone in trouble here. We will need the best Lazio.”
These are the words of the biancoceleste coach, which are echoed by those of Dia, who is convinced that it is necessary “to raise the collective and individual level in order to bring home the victory. We are ready and we want to do things right.” For the challenge of the Doosan Arena, the coach will have to deal with the heavy absence of Zaccagni, who will not be risked despite “the examinations have given negative results,” as well as that of Dele-Bashiru; not forgetting Hysaj and, above all, Castellanos.
In compensation, Baroni, will have Marusic available, although not in top condition. In front of Mandas, however, the central pair composed of Gigot and Romagnoli – recovered in time for the European match – should act, with Lazzari and Nuno Tavares on the right and left respectively. In the middle of the field, Vecino is available but is likely to start from the bench; room then for the usual Rovella and Guendouzi. On the three-quarter, in place of the biancoceleste captain, will act Pedro, who in Europe and in the league has shown that he can still be decisive, with Isaksen and Dia completing the department. In front, the reference will be Noslin.
– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
