Danilo Cataldi looked ahead to Lazio’s clash with Monza, drawing inspiration from the team’s impressive Derby della Capitale win.
The Biancocelesti had been experiencing a bit of a wobble in form in recent weeks, suffering losses to Feyenoord and Salernitana, but Maurizio Sarri’s side gritted their teeth and bounced back in the derby against bitter rivals Roma, edging out a 1-0 win. Considering the absence of stars Ciro Immobile and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, it was an extremely positive game for the team.
Speaking to Lazio Style Channel (via LazioNews24), Cataldi first reflected on the Derby della Capitale win over Roma.
I slept peacefully after the derby, compared to what happened in the previous days. This victory leaves us with the awareness that, thanks to team spirit and concentration, we can get results. And this can happen even when we play a dirty game.
The Italian midfielder reflected on the mental impact of beating the Giallorossi.
We have to play every match as we did on Sunday. Otherwise it would mean we have learned little from the past.
In recent months we have perhaps only lacked half an hour from a concentration point of view. We must take to the pitch with the same attitude we had on Sunday.
Finally, Cataldi discussed some of the qualities of Monza.
For me it will be a hard-fought and complicated match. I know how Palladino works and we spoke immediately after he became Monza coach. They won’t come here just to defend, but to play their game.
The 28-year-old Cataldi has made 17 appearances across Serie A and the Europa League this season under Sarri, proving his qualities as a defensive midfielder. The club are now working on tying him down to a new deal as his current contract expires in 2024.
