Lazio headed to northern Italy without their manager Simone Inzaghi, who tested positive for the coronavirus. As a result, the assistant coach Massimiliano Farris took the reigns as manager for the Biancocelesti as they took on Hellas Verona.
Farris spoke to the media at the post-match press conference, where Lazio News relayed Farris’s comments. One of the first questions that he answered is his reaction to the win.
We are happy for the victory, the boys believed in it until the end. Verona is an excellent opponent, who does not give you anything, but we managed to limit dangerous situations. We did well in the build-up phase; the important thing is that the team played with heart and with great clarity. We strongly wanted this victory.
Furthermore, Farris added that after the match, Inzaghi called the squad to congratulate them on the dramatic victory as Lazio scored in stoppage time to come away with all three points.
The coach called us to the locker room to congratulate us; the team played an Inzaghi match. Simone asked for nastiness and concentration; the guys were fantastic. I am proud to be here, and the important thing is that Inzaghi and his family are well. The team is in good hands.
Sergej Milinković-Savić scored off a cross from Stefan Radu to give Lazio the late game-winner. Farris discussed the dramatic goal that allowed the Rome-based club to secure the win as they continue to fight for a top-four finish in Serie A.
Dual role of Sergej? No, we wanted to have him on the second balls when we played with Reina from the back; he didn’t have to assume the attacker’s position. On the other hand, when the game develops on the outside, his presence in the area becomes fundamental: he knows where to go to position himself. This is his beautiful goal.
Finally, Farris commented on the disallowed goal that Felipe Caicedo scored to start the second half.
I just saw it now for the first time. Magnani held on to Caicedo for 5-6 seconds, before his arm then broke free. The swing is there, but in the referee’s point of view, it could have been called either way.
