Lazio midfielder Marco Parolo spoke about the Biancocelesti’s tense 1-1 draw with Russian side Zenit St. Petersburg in interviews after the game.
First, he spoke with Italian broadcaster Lazio Style Channel.
“We had to earn points in a game where anything could happen. We had some difficulties at the beginning, they were very aggressive. They were good physically and in the air.
“We were good at reacting and taking the game in hand. This is the spirit of a squad that has been playing together for years. We hope to make up for the absentees as soon as possible. We wanted to send an important signal and we did.”
The Italian midfielder touched on how the squad needed to react well after conceding in the first half.
“We had to find countermeasures for Zenit. They slowed as time passed. If we did not concede a goal it could have been a different game, we had to be a bit more careful. We were very good at reacting. We are a squad with important values.
“This team plays with everyone regardless of absences. We held our ground. We are very physical. We responded blow by blow and kept it alive until the end. Keeping certain rhythms is not easy. The substitutes gave us a big push.”
He spoke about the upcoming league clash with reigning champions Juventus on the weekend and if he’ll feature.
“I am at the coach’s disposal. I do what he asks. I can play 90, 45 or 2 minutes. This must be the spirit of the squad.”
Parolo also discussed the 1-1 draw with Italian broadcaster Sky Sports Italia after the game.
“They were immediately aggressive, we could have managed some moments better but initially we were not risking anything. In the long run we could take the game in hand, they were good at a physical level but the team reacted immediately after the goal.
“In the second half we created chances and the draw is a right and important result for our Champions League campaign.”
The 35-year-old Italian midfielder touched on the mentality and spirit of the squad and how that comes across on the pitch.
“Despite the absences, the team proved to be there and to have a great spirit, when the important players will come back, we can do even more. The important thing was to show the strength and compactness of the team.
“It is not easy to prepare for matches like this, it disturbs you so much, but we have known each other for years and we have clear ideas. It’s our strength, whoever takes to the pitch has their performance because the team has principles thanks to what the coach has created.
“Then it is normal that some players make the difference, but we have a strong base that allows us to overcome these difficulties and uncertainties.”
The 35-year-old Parolo, who is contracted to the Roman side until the end of the season, has made eight appearances since the start of this campaign across all competitions, for a total of 298 minutes.
In that time, he has been deployed regularly by coach Simone Inzaghi as a strong alternative in midfield.
