Lazio coach Marco Baroni was pleased with his team’s win over Cagliari, even though his players didn’t produce their best display.
Mature Performance
The Biancocelesti took an early lead through Boulaye Dia, but Zito Luvumbo equalized just before halftime. In the second period, Mattia Zaccagni made his glorious return to action, scoring the winner from the spot just three minutes following his introduction. In his post-match press conference (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Baroni noted his team cannot rout their opponents in every contest.
Today we produced was a mature performance. We prepared well. The early goal took something away from us. This team must never lose its edge, we rarely win games that we don’t deserve. But we still created several chances against a physical team.
These are complicated games. So the fact we conceded very little and prevailed is the most important. We can’t always win by three or four goals.
Baroni Wants Angry Lazio
Matteo Guendouzi showed his frustration upon leaving the pitch by angrily kicking a bottle. But instead of scolding his midfielder, the Lazio coach was pleased with this furious reaction.
We saw the beautiful gesture by Guendou. When he came out pissed off, I told him that I want players like that, players who want to be on the pitch.
Explaining Noslin’s Substitution
On another note, Baroni insisted he didn’t want to punish Tijjani Noslin by hauling him off at halftime in favor of Matias Vecino, but simply opted for a tactical tweak.
I took off Noslin, not because I wanted to penalize him, but I needed more passing. We played well for 25 minutes and took the lead. I congratulate the boys, if you don’t give it your all you won’t win these games.
As I said before, with the 4-2-3-1 formation, it is not easy in these closed contests. This time, were no conditions to play vertically, so the midfielders had to give something different. We had to get into the opposition’s area, not through verticalizations but with different maneuvers. The team did it excellently.
Patric & Castrovilli
The manager also provided some updates on Patric’s physical condition, while offering his backing to Gaetano Castrovilli who is getting little playing time at the moment.
Patric started the week with a little discomfort. We decided together not to risk him but he’s fine. I don’t rule out a return against Porto.
Castrovilli needs trust, he expects it from me not from the heavens. He had a small problem, so we’ll see during the week but I believe me he’s fine. I can’t wait to be able to use him. We had to exclude him from the Europa League list, but he’s doing well.
