Alessio Romagnoli was overjoyed after scoring his first Lazio goal in today’s exciting 4-0 win over Spezia.
The 27-year-old Italian centre back joined his boyhood club in the summer after ending a seven-year spell with Milan, and things have started well for the hometown hero. Romagnoli has instantly formed a strong partnership with Patric and has helped Lazio concede only five goals in their first eight Serie A games, a defensive solidity that was lacking last season.
Speaking first to Sky Sports Italia (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Romagnoli first reacted to Lazio’s win over Spezia and his goal.
It was nice. It was time for me to score because I had several chances. We did well, a very good game that wasn’t easy especially in the second half. We deserved it.
The shirt? I kept the one from the first half that was also stained with blood, the one from the second half I gave to the fans.
He touched on the team’s defensive solidity this season.
The improvements are not just thanks to me, but thanks to everyone. We are a team, we play like one and we defend like one.
We work on this during the week and on many other things that can be improved.
The 27-year-old was not interested in talking about a possible title bid just yet.
I think it’s still early to talk about those positions, we have to do our path and try to finish in the top four and then we’ll see.
Romagnoli then discussed the game when speaking to DAZN.
I kept the shirt, it’s the most important one I have. I changed it at the end of the first half. The important thing is that the ball went in, not that the goal was good or bad. We had a great test and now we’re enjoying it.
We work every day, I’ve only just arrived but the squad’s improvement can be seen. We have to win qualification for Europe and it won’t be easy.
I like scoring goals but I score few, I have to do more, I’ll have to work hard. Maestrelli was a great coach and a great person, it’s right to dedicate the Curva to him.
The Lazio centre back also commented on the win when speaking to Lazio Style Channel.
It was even more beautiful under the Curva Nord. I didn’t expect it, I enjoyed it, it was about time because I’d had several chances. I have to do more because I score one a year, I have to score three or four a year.
The Lazio fans are unique in the world, they always support us, Maestrelli was a great man and coach, it was only right to dedicate this celebration to him. We are working very well during the week, we try to work in the best way possible.
We have to play in the same way both away and at home, we’re very strong and it’s very good to play away. We have to show that we are Lazio and dominate matches.
He touched on the similarities between Maurizio Sarri at Lazio and Marco Giampaolo at Milan.
With Giampaolo at Milan it was very similar to Sarri, some concepts I just had to remember. I really like the coach’s game, if I came here it’s because I know I can improve
Finally, Romagnoli commented on his decision to kiss the shirt after his goal.
I made children like me dream when I was a child, I hope they too can do this one day.
