“These Are Three Vital Points” – Lucas Leiva Discusses Lazio’s 2-1 Victory Over Spezia

Lazio came off the FIFA international break with a 2-1 victory over Spezia Calcio. Simone Inzaghi’s side needs to come away with three points as they look for a late push into the top four in Serie A. 

After participating in the UEFA Champions League, the Biancocelesti wants to make one last dash to play in the tournament next season. Nonetheless, Lazio is taking it one game at a time. 

Midfielder Lucas Leiva spoke to the Lazio Style Channel (via Lazio News) to discuss the win over Spezia. 

I want to congratulate Spezia; they put us in a difficult spot. We played a safe game, conceding little to them, but we had to score more goals. For us, these are three vital points to continue on our path. We are still far away from securing a place in next year’s edition of the Champions League.

Leiva then transitioned to commenting on the squad’s performance and what stood out to him in the victory. 

We put our heart into it, all of us. Many players were returning from the national teams; they arrived in Formello yesterday, so it was not easy. We have the whole week to prepare for our next match against a Verona that beat us in the first leg.

Lazio received a penalty kick opportunity after the Video Assistant Referee called a handball on Spezia. This call resulted in Felipe Caicedo converting a penalty kick chance to give the Rome-based club the win. Leiva touched on the decision that they benefitted their squad. 

I didn’t see the penalty they gave us; I was on the bench. However, according to the rules, it was clear that it was the right call. There was also an instance when the ball hit Acerbi’s hand, but he was in the process of making a slide tackle.

Before starting the match, Lazio wore t-shirts in warm-ups as they paid their respects to Daniel Guerini, the youth player in the club’s Primavera system, who died in a car accident. Leiva discussed winning this match for Guerini. 

I was at Daniel Guerini’s funeral. This victory is for him, for his family and friends. May God bless these families. I hope Daniel rests in peace.

Tags lazio v spezia Lazio vs Spezia Lazio-Spezia Leiva Lucas Leiva Serie A