Lazio coach Simone Inzaghi discussed the Biancocelesti’s upcoming Champions League clash against Russian side Zenit St. Petersburg this evening when speaking to gathered reporters in a press conference yesterday. His words were noted by Italian media outlet La Lazio Siamo Noi.
First, he spoke about the players that are unavailable for tonight’s game.
“Unfortunately, like in Bruges we have some unavailable players, Strakosha, Leiva and Immobile. In addition, we have other people out at home, Lazzari, Luis Alberto, Radu, Lulic, Escalante.”
He also touched on the type of game that the Roman side will look to play.
“The team will have a great game. We play against a strong team, who have zero points. They will play an important game, but we are ready, despite the many absences.”
The Italian coach discussed the Russian side and their strengths.
“Zenit are a very good team, organised and with a good coach who makes them play very well. There are important players in all departments.
“In defence, Lovren who is all of us know. In attack, Dzyuba, Driussi, they have a lot of quality.”
Inzaghi touched on how Zenit have lost their first two games in the competition, against German side Borussia Dortmund and Belgian side Club Brugge.
“I have seen both of Zenit’s matches. In the first one against Bruges they didn’t deserve to lose, they had more possessions, more chances. They had some bad luck in the key moments of the match.
“Against Dortmund a slightly more defensive challenge. Until the 70th minute they stayed in the game, then they were at a disadvantage from a penalty kick and lost against an important team like Borussia Dortmund.”
Finally, Inzaghi spoke about how the current situation is for himself and the team in regards to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“A strange situation. I am living it, like so many other colleagues of mine. I’m sorry, I would have liked to be in Bruges on Wednesday and tomorrow here in St. Petersburg with all my men. We are used to the emergency.
“Since the season restarted after the lockdown, we have always had problems. I have so many players who have done everything to return to the Champions League during these four and a half years, and now they cannot play. The hope is that they will be with us soon.”
Lazio are currently top of their Champions League group, sitting on four points alongside Club Brugge.
A win against the Russian side tonight puts Inzaghi’s team in a strong position to qualify for the next round of the competition.
