Nicolo Casale discussed his first six months at Lazio, his relationship with coach Maurizio Sarri and the team’s goals in the second half of this season.
The 24-year-old Italian defender signed a five-year deal with the Biancocelesti in the summer after signing from Hellas Verona in a deal worth around €7m.
Casale’s life in the Italian capital initially started slowly but he’s since started to develop a strong partnership with fellow centre back Alessio Romagnoli, forming part of the club’s new formidable defence.
Speaking at the Lazio Christmas dinner (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Casale first discussed what the second half of the season means to the team.
It’s certainly the most talked about topic in recent weeks. It’s a big unknown, so many teams have had players absent for the World Cup.
We were lucky, only two players went and we had more time to train together. It will be a big question mark. However, it is a break that has served us well to work hard and be ready.
He commented on how the mid-season break can be a positive thing for Lazio.
For sure it can be a very positive thing but then the pitch speaks. If you work during this time not at your best without playing matches, then when you resume you struggle.
As the coach has said many times, we worked well even during the break and we would certainly be ready.
The 24-year-old touched on what the Biancocelesti need to do to stay in the top four.
A lot is still missing. This is a starting point, we’ve been ready and we’ve done well, but there are so many games left and it’s a moon.
Casale reflected on his first few months at Lazio.
They were very good months for me. I came from a team that was very different in the way they played from Lazio. It helped me to grow.
I went from one form to another and found myself with top players. It was a great growth and I just want it to be a starting point.
He spoke about if the mid-season break would allow him to show his best in the coming months.
I had a small injury that can happen over the course of a season. Then I had the chance to play, training well and making myself ready again. That’s not enough, I want to keep working to grow even more.
Finally, Casale discussed his relationship with coach Sarri.
I have to say very little about that. Coming here to Lazio was one of the first choices made by coach Sarri.
He sought me out and I knew he could make me grow as a defender. With him I have a relationship like any other player, few words and a lot of work.