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Marco Baroni is ‘convinced’ Lazio can recover from the Europa League defeat to Bodo/Glimt and will not change his all-attack approach against Roma. ‘We are certainly not a conservative team.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
The Biancocelesti have seen their form stuttering of late, including a 5-0 defeat at Bologna and on Thursday lost the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final 2-0 away to Bodo/Glimt.
“I don’t remember historically a derby coming so close to a European cup tie, but it changes nothing for us,” assured Baroni in his press conference.
“A derby is so extraordinary that it will give us all the energy imaginable, and the fans will help us in that. I said after Bodo that we’d see in the second leg, as clearly some of the conditions were unfavourable for us, from the cold to the artificial pitch. We are convinced we’ve got every chance of qualifying for the semi-final.”
The decider for that Europa League tie is next week, but there’s precious little room for squad rotation, as Nuno Tavares, Patric and Arjon Ibrahimovic are injured, with Taty Castellanos not fully fit.
“The team is well aware of the game that awaits us, this is the most important thing. We will stay at the Formello ground tonight to best prepare for the game,” added Baroni.
“Clearly, Taty was out for a long time, he is returning and needs to do it gradually. He is essential for us and I am convinced he’ll give us an important boost, no matter how long he gets on the field.”
Baroni’s Lazio are stretched thin by Europa League
It has been suggested that Lazio struggle when they lack intensity, both physical and mental.
“I don’t want to go back on the fixture list, because it can look like an alibi, which I feel weakens us. We’ve got to have our minds on this match, then we can think about the second leg later.
“We have an identity and are certainly not a conservative team, so we’ve got to give our all in every match. At times the opponents might do better than us, but we must never lose our confidence or belief,” continued the coach.
“We’ve got to find ourselves in the performance and self-sacrifice for the team. I always tell the lads to look for the performance first, the result then comes from that.
“I always tried to keep a high defensive line, because we are a very attacking team. This can allow gaps for balls played between the lines, but the side has found a balance in the 4-2-3-1 formation.
“You must never lose enthusiasm or joy in football. This is a huge opportunity to immediately make up for Thursday and we must fight like lions,” added Baroni.
Considering the way Claudio Ranieri’s Roma have surged up the standings with a run of victories, are Lazio the underdogs in this Derby della Capitale?
“No, but if I analyse the last 15 rounds, then Roma have six more points than Inter, with the best defensive and attacking record. At this moment, they are out-performing everyone, but we will be there with determination to beat them.
“We must feel the passion of the fans who go to work, the kids who go to school, all those who carry their Lazio faith with them. Feeling the sacrifices these fans make, this is what the derby means,” concluded Baroni.
“Feeling the daily life of these fans in this city, this is what the players must sense.”
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