Lokomotiv Moscow Forward Smolov Excited to Face Lazio, “Everyone Knows Ciro”

MOSCOW, RUSSIA SEPTEMBER 16, 2021: FC Lokomotiv Moscow s forward Fyodor Smolov looks on in their 2021/22 UEFA Europa League Group E football match against FC Olympique de Marseille, at RZD Arena Stadium. Sergei Savostyanov/TASS PUBLICATIONxINxGERxAUTxONLY TS110A9F

Lokomotiv Moscow forward Feder Smolov was looking forward to tonight’s Europa League match against Lazio.

Speaking to gathered reporters in a press conference (via LazioNews24) yesterday, the 31-year-old Russian forward looked ahead to this evening’s match against the Biancocelesti.

I am happy and honoured to be here, it was important not to lose against Marseille.

Lokomotiv has been playing in Europe for several years, but we know who Lazio are. 

This is a stimulus and a test game.

UEFA Europa League Preview: Lazio vs Lokomotiv Moscow

He gave his thoughts on Lazio star Ciro Immobile, who has already scored six goals in the opening six Serie A games.

Everyone knows Ciro, as we are the same age we have already crossed paths. 

Years ago we faced each other with our respective national teams.

Finally, Smolov gave his thoughts about the difficulty of Lokomotiv’s Europa League group this season.

I think it’s a Champions League group. I have to say I’m pretty skeptical about the new Conference League competition.

There are no underdog teams, we have qualities that we still have to show. I think it’s a little early to make predictions, in any case we hope to pass the round and go all the way.

Lokomotiv Moscow’s Probable Starting XI for UEL Match vs Lazio

Lokomotiv Moscow have had a slightly underwhelming start to their season, sitting 3rd in the Russian Premier League after nine games. Coach Marko Nikolic’s side have won four of these nine games, drawing the other five.

Lazio have also had an inconsistent start to their campaign, sitting 6th in Serie A after six games. The Biancocelesti have won three of these six, drawing two and losing the other one. 

The Roman club lost their Europa League opener against Galatasaray 1-0 earlier this month, so tonight’s game is key as the team look to put points on the board.

Tags Biancocelesti Fedor Smolov Italy Lazio lazio vs lokomotiv moscow Lokomotiv Moscow lokomotiv moscow vs lazio Rome Serie A Smolov Stadio Olimpico