Lazio midfielder Mattia Zaccagni noted the importance of the Europa League for him personally ahead of tonight’s match against Porto.
Speaking to gathered reporters in a press conference (via LazioNews24) yesterday, the 26-year-old Italian midfielder first discussed his growth this season under coach Maurizio Sarri.
I want to stay on this path, working to become one of the best. I’m looking for consistency in the game and doing what the coach asks of me as much as possible.
He explained his archer celebration, where he appears to fire off an arrow.
From the video that Lazio put up, when I arrived in Verona there was a similar celebration and from there it became mine.
Zaccagni spoke about the impact of losing Lazio’s star striker Ciro Immobile this evening’s match.
Ciro is fundamental for us, but whoever plays in his place will give their all. We’ll try to play our game and play our football.
He touched on how important the Europa League is for him personally.
On a personal level it’s very important, it’s the first year I’m playing this competition and for me it has to be almost more important than the league.
For me, but also for the team, we must maintain the attitude of the last two games in Serie A.
The Italian midfielder noted the differences between coaches Ivan Juric and Maurizio Sarri.
Juric and Sarri are opposite coaches. Juric went man-to-man, the coach asks for something else. I’m doing well and I’ll always give 100%.
Finally, Zaccagni discussed his growth and relationship with the Lazio fans.
My journey at Lazio started off very slowly due to a few too many injuries, now I feel good, I can give something and I feel good also for what the fans give me.
The 26-year-old Zaccagni has made 23 appearances across all competitions so far this season for Lazio. In that time, he’s scored four goals and provided six assists, quickly becoming one of the most exciting attacking threats in the team.
