Lazio coach Marco Baroni demanded the best version of his team for the club’s UEFA Europa League contest against OGC Nice. The Biancocelesti will be looking to make it two wins in as many European fixtures this season when they host the French side at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday 3 October.
Baroni Discusses OGC Nice Strengths
In his pre-match press conference (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Baroni insists the Ligue 1 club is a tricky opponent, so the Italians must be in sharp form.
We’ll be facing a tough opponent. Nice is a strong team that plays good football with 3-4-2-1 which often becomes 3-4-3. They rely on double width, so we need the best Lazio.
The boys are fine, we have recovered well. We work with our heads down, we know that work dallows us to grow, even though we haven’t been able to hold too many training sessions in recent weeks due to the packed schedule.
Squad Rotation Set to Occur
Baroni admits he’ll be rotating his side once again in the Europa League, but he’s expecting a good display from whoever takes the field.
I don’t like to talk about “changes”. I have guys who work hard, with my staff we have to manage our squad. Even travel can cause mental stress. We will change something, we have to go in search of these energies. I have no doubts about my players. I see them in training, whoever plays will leave everything on the pitch.
The Importance of the Double Pivot
The Lazio boss emphasized the importance of the two midfielders in his tactical setup.
The midfielder who plays in this role is often called an “all-rounder”. The midfielders have a greater range of action, they must be good in both phases, with and without the ball.
We have good players in this role, but they also need support. The team is improving in this aspect. Against Nice, we will have a midfield duo that lives up to expectations, regardless of who will go on the pitch.
Fundamental Vecino
Speaking of midfielders, Baroni heaped special praise on Lazio veteran Matias Vecino.
He is fundamental in all aspects. Now he is in overflowing condition and he knows it, he perceives it. Whoever I send to the field in the second half enters at the most delicate moment, like the contest against Torino. Vecino gives a huge contribution, even during the week. The same goes for other guys.
Baroni Expects Lazio Defense to Improve
The 61-year-old admits his team must improve at the back as they continue to leak goals, but remains optimistic in this regard.
We need to improve in defense. We must analyze the goals conceded. We are fourth for the fewest shots on target, and fourth for best team pressing. These are data that give me the dimension of a team that is working better and better at the back.
But it’s clear that we want to score goals and attack. I said it from the get-go. Now we are third in the number of goals scored.