Marco Baroni believes that the artificial pitch had an impact on the game as Lazio fell to a 2-0 defeat away against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League quarter-final first leg on Thursday night, but he believes that ‘qualification is still open’ ahead of the return fixture in Rome next week.
A second-half double from Bodo/Glimt midfielder Ulrik Saltnes gave the Norwegians an important two-goal advantage over the Biancocelesti in a game where Marco Baroni’s side were limited to just one shot on target all game.
You can see how the action unfolded on the Football Italia Liveblog.
Baroni reacts after Bodo/Glimt 2-0 Lazio
There were concerns earlier in the day given that several inches of snow had fallen in the Bodo area overnight. Still, the pitch was cleared in time, but Baroni feels that the artificial surface had an impact on the game’s proceedings.
“They had speed in their exchanges because of the artificial pitch. I believe that the second leg will be a different game and qualification is still open,” Baroni told Sky Sport Italia in his post-match interview.
He continued: “They are a fresh, brilliant team. We will rebalance at the Olimpico in the second leg, and we believe that we can still secure qualification.”
Asked what his side need to improve on in the second leg, Baroni replied: “We will have to press higher on their key players, we will put more pressure on them.
“Now, we have to regain our energy. We will prepare for this match well, we’ll give it our full strength.
And does he have a message for the travelling Lazio fans?
“We don’t need to appeal to our fans. We all came here together, we have an important derby and then the second leg. We will go up against them in the best possible way.”
You should be fired for losing to a team like this!!!!!