Former Atalanta defender Thomas Manfredini thought that Lazio’s Francesco Acerbi was one of the best defenders in Serie A.
Speaking in an interview with Italian radio broadcaster Radiosei (via La Lazio Siamo Noi) earlier today, the 40-year-old Italian first spoke about his former Sassuolo teammate Acerbi.
Acerbi is one of the best defenders in Italy, he has monstrously consistent performances. I can only congratulate him, it’s also thanks to him that Lazio have been doing so well in recent years.
He has the foot, he has vision, coaches have an advantage having a defender like that. He’s a complete player, he offers a defensive phase that is really complicated to get past.
He looked ahead to the Biancocelesti’s next league clash against Genoa on Sunday.
At the moment the motivation is much higher in the Capital. With the win against Spezia, Genoa have almost secured their place in the relegation battle. It will certainly not be an easy match, but I see the home team as having an advantage.
As well as the quality of the individual players, after the success against AC Milan they have something to give and get bigger than Genoa. I’ve had Ballardini, he knows the environment well, he manages to lift the team every time, to achieve almost unhoped-for goals.
He gives serenity, game, mentality, it’s not easy. It’s not easy to create consistent performances with so many players who come and go.
The former Atalanta and Sassuolo defender discussed the ongoing race for a top four finish.
It’s difficult, at the moment I see that Atalanta and Napoli are mentally and physically in good shape and have something more, also in terms of play.
Juventus and Milan are struggling, I still trust the Bianconeri who will do everything to reach the Champions League, otherwise we would be talking about a failed year.
Milan, after a great first half of the season, is having a lot of difficulties. A lot will depend on Ibrahimovic, whether or not he will be able to play these last games like the previous ones.
Finally, Manfredini spoke about Lazio’s position in the race for a top four finish.
Lazio have everything to gain, they’re close. They have superior players up front, I played with Immobile at Genoa, you could see that he would soon make a difference in the Italian league.
He didn’t do amazing, but you could see his quality. He’s the key man in the Champions League race.
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