Pedro reflected on the unique nature of the Derby della Capitale and analysed Lazio’s start to the season.
The 2010 World Cup winner joined the Biancocelesti on a free transfer last year after leaving the Giallorossi, being one of the few players to directly cross the Tiber. Pedro’s first season at Lazio was a success and he scored 10 goals and provided five assists in 41 games, being an important part of Maurizio Sarri’s squad.
Speaking to Serie A’s media outlets (via LazioNews24), Pedro first discussed the Derby della Capitale and how it feels to have played for both Roma and Lazio.
We all know what the derby means, the passion it generates among the fans. For me scoring that goal was very important, because it allowed me to bond immediately with the fans, the environment and the club.
I am very happy to be here and help the team. I was lucky enough to wear both shirts, but Lazio represents my character and my style of play better.
I see myself in the values of the club, I think it shows on the pitch and in the understanding I have with my teammates, this has helped me a lot to settle in.
He touched on what kind of match he expects against the Giallorossi.
It will be an intense match. I think the pace will be high with a lot of fouls. We will have to play our football, as we always do, and be at our best to bring home the three points.
We know they have very strong players and great leaders, they will make life difficult for us, but it is a derby.
We have to stay focused and play as we know how, taking advantage of all the chances we have and bring home the result. It’s a crucial match.
The 35-year-old Spaniard commented on the absence of talismanic striker Ciro Immobile.
Ciro’s injury is a hard blow for us, especially at a delicate time of the season with many important matches. Every single player will give everything to make up for the captain’s absence and bring home the three points.
We’ll try to score like Ciro does in every game, I’m ready to help the team, if I can do it with a goal even better!
He gave his thoughts on coach Sarri and his first year in the Italian capital.
We worked hard last year to adapt to the ideas of Sarri. Now I think all the newcomers, who have joined the team this year, have adapted well to the philosophy of the coach and the system of play.
I think we are proving it on the pitch. We are a dangerous team, we play well, we press high, we command ball possession and we create a lot up front, I think it’s evident this season.
Sarri motivates us a lot, he talks a lot during matches, he’s a charismatic person and he helps shape the mentality of the team, you can see it in the players he trains. Lazio deserve a coach like him.
Finally, Pedro discussed his various injuries and how he feels this season.
I think I can help the team both from the bench and playing from the start. I had a good pre-season, but then that ankle injury held me back a bit. I missed games and training sessions and it was difficult for me to find the right rhythm again.
Now I feel fit again, I have found consistency in the last few games and I hope to continue on this path to make my contribution to the cause, helping the team to fight until the end to reach our goal.
Love you Pedro! Tomorrow come off with a a sweaty and bloody shirt!
Forza Lazio !!!!! C’mooooon lads!