Baroni Discusses Lazio Goalkeepers’ Hierarchy, Castrovilli Omission & Verona Return

ROME, ITALY - AUGUST 30: SS Lazio head coach Marco Baroni attends a press conference at the Formello sport centre on August 30, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi - SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Lazio coach Marco Baroni tackled several topics in his pre-match press conference on the eve of the club’s encounter against his former employers Hellas Verona (via La Lazio Siamo Noi).

The 60-year-old looked back on his experience with the Gialloblu with pride, insisting he gave his all for the club, while noting that the Biancocelesti have a tough task ahead of them.

This is a healthy team that has achieved important results and produced good performances. This will certainly be a difficult match for us, even the boys are prepared.

I always start from the assumption that when you know you have given everything, you get to carry the beauty of the expierience with you. But now, we turn the page, as we will have deliver a top dispay.

On another note, Baroni quashed all the media talk about Christos Mandas usurping Ivan Provedel in the pecking order, insisting the latter remains the first choice between the posts.

I don’t know who brought up this issue. The owner is Provedel, who is respected by everyone, a top-level professional. We are lucky to have another very good young goalkeeper. He has his role and a bright future ahead of him, but I have a clear hierarchy, especially in this particular role. This isn’t up for disucssion.

Baroni Confirms Provedel as Lazio’s Number One

The former Verona and Lecce coach also hinted he will continue to play with an additional striker after fielding Boulaye Dia behind Taty Castellanos against Milan.

This team must start with the objective of scoring goals. I always start from the offensive phase. We are working on it, also on the balance. I don’t think the problem is having an extra offensive player, the important thing is that everyone must run hard. I prefer to have an extra attacker rather than a defender.

Baroni also confirmed Gaetano Castrovilli’s words regarding his omission from the Europa League squad. He explains it was a shared decision with the player to preserve his physical condition.

This is a choice shared with the player. Gaetano is a talent, one of the best Italian players. He’s coming from a serious injury. Last season he played five games. He is fine now. I felt he would struggle to play three matches in a row.

The Lazio boss admitted his fury for conceding an early goal in each of the team’s first three outings of the season.

It’s something that angers me, and the team knows it. We have to go on the pitch without losing even a minute of concentration. We must have a constant presence because the game is always heated. We have analyzed the drops, they must not happen again, and we will do everything to ensure it.

Concerning the backline, Baroni revealed that Mario Gila is fit to start, while new signing Samuel Gigot remains behind.

Gigot is slightly behind physically, he had been working separately at OM. He is a player with a strong personality, he will find his form as the weeks go by. Gila is doing very well, I will have to make some evaluations because for us he is a very important player.

Tags Baroni Hellas Verona Lazio Lazio vs Hellas Verona Marco Baroni Serie A Verona

2 Comments

  1. “ I prefer to have an extra attacker rather than a defender.”

    This is something most of our last 5 coaches missed (Tudor not so much but he wasn’t here long enough) basically balls.

    When I read this, I realise Baroni is actually seeming to go for it. He has clearly shown his dedication for constantly looking to attack. I love it. Let’s goooo dajee Lazio dajeee

  2. Yes I agree, all those years of basically having only one attacker really frustrated me.

    Long gone are the days when we had Salas, Boksic, Inzaghi, Ravanelli and Mancini all on the same team.

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