Rovella: ‘Lazio must be alert against Inter, Real Madrid dream in Champions League’

Midfielder Nicolo Rovella was on media duty for Lazio on Saturday afternoon on the eve of Sunday’s big game in Serie A against the league leaders Inter. 

Coach Maurizio Sarri opted out of conducting a pre-match press conference on Saturday, however, Rovella stepped up instead to analyse Sunday’s game, as well as sharing his thoughts on Lazio’s recent qualification for the Champions League knock-out rounds. 

Lazio, currently 10th in Serie A could do with some points this weekend to help lift them up the table. The good omen is that the Biancocelesti have won their previous two encounters against Inter at the Stadio Olimpico. 

“For us it is a very important match, we will need attention and desire to work. The match against Inter can help us recover emotionally,” Rovella told the press, via TMW. 

“It will be a very important game for us, we will need to be alert and want to work hard. Inter gives us a chance  to recover psychologically. 

“My first match in Serie A was against Inter. My family supports Inter and when I started playing, it was for an academy associated with Inter.”

“The team is strong, we are pushing to reach all of our objectives. We have to score more and concede fewer, that’s it. We don’t have to be afraid of anyone, we are at home and we want to win. I see how the team trains, I’m sure we will be alright.

Rovella then revealed some of the Inter midfielders past and present he has looked to for inspiration. 

“Calhanoglu certainly has incredible qualities. Inter have always had great playmakers, I also watched Brozovic a lot for the way he moved.”

On who he thinks will end up winning the 2023-24 Serie A title, he added: “Inter have something more than Juventus, but I don’t know, they’re two very strong teams. I hope we can trip the Nerazzurri up tomorrow, though.” 

Rovella was also asked if he has any ambitions to represent Italy at senior international level. 

He replied: “It’s every player’s dream. I always watch the national team, I hope so, but I know I have to do even better.”

Then there was a discussion on the Champions League and potential dream opponents in the Round of 16. 

“Qualifying for the round of 16 is important and not to be taken for granted, there were some very strong teams. We’re behind in the league, but we’re still there, that’s why tomorrow will be fundamental. Conclusions should be made at the end, not along the way. 

“I said Real Madrid when we qualified if I’m being honest. It’s my dream to play at the Bernabeu, so I’ll say Madrid.”