Former Lazio defender Giuseppe Biava was happy with Francesco Acerbi and Ciro Immobile’s performances with the Azzurri during the international break.
Speaking in an interview with Italian radio broadcaster Lazio Style Radio (via La Lazio Siamo Noi) earlier today, the 43-year-old Italian spoke about the Biancocelesti duo’s performances with Italy recently.
Italy did well, even if perhaps not as we were used to a few months ago. But it was important to win. As far as the two Lazio players are concerned, Immobile has returned to scoring goals in the national team. Both he and Acerbi gave convincing performances.
They’ve shown that they can easily be there, and indeed that they can be important for Italy. The two Juventus players are not going through a good period, maybe Acerbi can steal their place. He has the qualities to do it.
Ciro had a lot of chances, but the fact that he created them means he did well. Scoring two goals isn’t easy, he must be happy. He has to start from there for the league.
Immobile-Belotti? The trident doesn’t exalt the two players. They’re used to playing with someone on their side in their teams. They’ll alternate, they have similar characteristics.
He looked ahead to tomorrow’s league clash against Vincenzo Italiano’s Spezia.
A tough game, Spezia play well, they’re aggressive. They put you in difficulty with good dribbling, they’re not afraid to play. But on the other hand, they concede a lot at the back. If we manage to break the deadlock, everything becomes easier.
In the first half we might struggle more, then I think Lazio, with the spaces Spezia leave, will be able to put their defense in trouble. They have inside players who are able to slot in well, the full-backs push hard. They create pairs on the wings to make it difficult for the other team’s full backs.
They press a lot at the start, they bring in a lot of attacking players. Lazio’s two full-backs will have to be good at not giving them too much space, and then counter-attacking at speed. That’s what Inzaghi’s team does best.
The former Biancocelesti defender was hopeful that Andreas Pereira could still show his best with the Roman club.
If we compare him to Luis Alberto, he doesn’t hold up. The Spaniard is in another category. The Brazilian has technical qualities, but he needs to play, to find consistency and confidence.
Maybe he can be reconfirmed for next season, he can certainly do better.
Finally, Biava spoke about the return of Brazilian defender Luiz Felipe, who is expected back later this month.
He arrived a bit quietly, but he’s shown that he’s growing, improving and becoming more mature. He deservedly earned his place as a starter.
His absence was felt, he’s a unique player in his characteristics. I think his return will be good for Lazio’s defense.
MORE: Lazio Striker Immobile in Doubt for Tomorrow’s Game Against Spezia Due to Fatigue
MORE: Lazio Coach Inzaghi to Start Either Pereira or Akpa Akpro Against Spezia
