Marco Baroni sees Juventus as the ‘perfect test’ for his surprising Lazio and tries to keep a delicate balance between their ‘ambition’ and keeping feet on the ground.
It kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin on Saturday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
The Biancocelesti have had a very strong start to the campaign, sitting at the top of the Europa League table in the new competition format, while in Serie A they are in joint third place with Udinese and tomorrow’s opponents Juve.
“We are up against a strong side with the best defensive record in Europe and more possession than anyone in Italy,” said Baroni in his press conference.
“They are yet to concede a goal from open play in Serie A, are solid and determined. It is a perfect test for us to prove we can be competitive and we must face it with the right level of confidence.”
Baroni has won over dubious Lazio fans
The fans had protested when former Verona coach Baroni was appointed this summer, still smarting from the departure in quick succession of first Maurizio Sarri and then Igor Tudor.
His arrival was considered proof that Lazio were lacking in ambition this season, so what can he say to them now?
“I think ambition grows along with performances. We’ve got to keep our heads down and keep pushing. We are all ambitious, but it can only be cultivated with the spirit of sacrifice and we are continually tested.
“The players deserve credit, because I proposed ideas, but they are the ones putting them into action. They are keeping their feet on the ground and we are still trying to get a handle on the identity of this new team.”
Manuel Lazzari and Samuel Gigot are injured, while there are doubts around Matteo Guendouzi after his eventful experience on international duty with France, where he also scored a goal.
“Guendouzi is doing better, we will evaluate him over the next 24 hours. I think he will be available, but I’m not sure if it’ll be from the start,” concluded Baroni.