Ex-Striker Mandelli: “Lazio Cannot Give Juventus Space, It’ll Be Very Difficult”

ROME, ITALY - FEBRUARY 20: The Serie A Nike Flight high vis match ball is seen on the pitch prior to the Serie A match between SS Lazio and UC Sampdoria at Stadio Olimpico on February 20, 2021 in Rome, Italy. Sporting stadiums around Italy remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Former Lazio striker Paolo Mandelli expected a tough match for the Biancocelesti against Juventus.

Speaking with Italian radio broadcaster Lazio Style Radio (via La Lazio Siamo Noi) earlier today, he first spoke about the abandoned match against Torino.

The fact that the league could be affected by the Covid situation was something we had to take into account. It’s clear, however, that perhaps the affair should have been handled better than it was.


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He touched on the Champions League knockout stages this season.

It will be a good challenge between many teams until the last few games.

The 53-year-old Italian, who spent a season on loan with the Biancocelesti in the 1980’s, then looked ahead to Saturday’s match against Juventus.

Pirlo is making a virtue out of necessity, adapting his ideas to the squad he has at his disposal. The Bianconeri have quality gaps in midfield but also many champions in attack like Ronaldo who can invent plays and goals.

For Lazio it will be very difficult against the Bianconeri. Pirlo’s team has strong one-on-one players and Inzaghi’s guys can not give them space. The duels will also decide the challenge.

I think Lulic could start on the left, with Marusic on the right due to Lazzari’s absence. When he’s fit again though, I think it’s fair to go for Fares.


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Finally, Mandelli spoke about Lazio’s difficulties in scoring goals this campaign.

Lazio haven’t been able to rotate due to a lot of injuries and Covid cases, it’s true that they’re scoring less on the offensive end than in other years, but in the end, they’re fighting for the top positions.

Tags Biancocelesti Bianconeri Italy Juventus Lazio Mandelli Paolo Mandelli Serie A