Roberto De Zerbi and Sassuolo have the utmost respect for today’s opponents Lazio. “It’s a squad full of champions.”
It kicks off at the Mapei Stadium at 17.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
The Biancocelesti have already qualified for the Europa League Round of 32 with two games to spare thanks to Thursday’s victory over Olympique Marseille.
Roberto De Zerbi and Sassuolo have the utmost respect for today’s opponents Lazio. “It’s a squad full of champions.”
It kicks off at the Mapei Stadium at 17.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
The Biancocelesti have already qualified for the Europa League Round of 32 with two games to spare thanks to Thursday’s victory over Olympique Marseille.
“Lazio are accustomed to playing three matches per week, so we don’t expect them to be tired or unmotivated against us,” assured the Coach.
“They have experienced players and know what it means to represent such demanding fans. Against a side like Lazio, which has a squad full of champions who can change a game at any moment, we need extra focus and care.
“Having said that, we’ll try to play with our own qualities and show off our individual talents too, just as we have done since the first day of pre-season training.
“The match with Chievo was a test of our mentality and maturity, but with Lazio it’s a test of our tactical intelligence. We’ve got to ensure our minds overcome any anxiety, as against Milan and Bologna we tried to push the attacking move and didn’t show enough patience in our passing.
“When we have all matured, those are the games we won’t lose, or at least not in that way.”
Sassuolo are sixth in the table and a win would put them level with Lazio on 21 points.
“It’d be a lie to say I expected us to be where we are now, because it was not predicted at all. Considering our performances, we could even have had a few more points,” noted De Zerbi.
“We are a long way off our peak, both as a team and individuals, so it’s not really possible to state right now what our objective is for the season.”
Sassuolo squad for Lazio: Satalino, Consigli, Pegolo; Marlon, Lemos, Rogerio, Peluso, Lirola, Magnani, Ferrari, Dell'Orco, Adjapong; Magnanelli, Djuricic, Sensi, Duncan, Locatelli; Matri, Berardi, Boateng, Trotta, Babacar, Di Francesco, Brignola