Simone Inzaghi said the qualification in the Champions League was ‘a dream come true’ for Lazio but vowed to ‘find continuity’ in Serie A.
With the 2-2 draw against Club Brugge on Tuesday, the Aquile qualified for the knockout stages in the Champions League for the first time in 20 years and Inzaghi was obviously delighted with the achievement.
“I’m very happy for the lads, the club and the fans,” Inzaghi said at a press conference. “We have made a dream come true.
Simone Inzaghi said the qualification in the Champions League was ‘a dream come true’ for Lazio but vowed to ‘find continuity’ in Serie A.
With the 2-2 draw against Club Brugge on Tuesday, the Aquile qualified for the knockout stages in the Champions League for the first time in 20 years and Inzaghi was obviously delighted with the achievement.
“I’m very happy for the lads, the club and the fans,” Inzaghi said at a press conference. “We have made a dream come true.
“Now, after this great joy, we must transfer that enthusiasm to the pitch. It will be difficult against Hellas Verona tomorrow.”
About the Champions League draw on Monday, he added: “It will be an honour to face any opposition, they are all sacred monsters of football.
“I’m convinced that my team will not want to be the Cinderella of the second round. Anyone who will get Lazio, won’t be happy.”
The coach said he’s not sure if Ciro Immobile will be rested against Verona but admitted the Italy international is ‘tired’.
“I still don’t know exactly how the group is doing, especially the players I have used the most,” he said.
“Yesterday it was light, we still have two training sessions and then I’ll evaluate. Immobile is one of the most tired.
“In the last two games, he went off. I have saved a few minutes. We must make careful evaluations, including for Luis Alberto, [Lucas] Leiva, [Francesco] Acerbi and Luiz Felipe.”
Pepe Reina started in goal against Club Brugge and Inzaghi said Thomas Strakosha could be back this weekend.
“I will choose from game to game,” he added. “I’m happy with what Strakosha has done in recent years, he’s a great goalkeeper.
“But I’m just as happy with Reina. I will decide from game to game. I still haven’t made a precise choice.
“I’m satisfied with how they train, but I had no doubts.”
Inzaghi praised the opponents and coach Ivan Juric ahead of Verona’s visit to the Olimpico.
“The organisation by their coach [helps them concede very little]. They have players who combine quality and quantity.
“We must pay maximum attention, last year we drew and won against them, but the matches were tight.”
Inzaghi vows to find ‘continuity’ in the League, with four important games before Christmas.
“We will always be busy, even if the Champions League is over,” he said.
“We will have four games before Christmas to do our best. We must find continuity.
“We have collected 17 points in the League, but we could have picked up more considering everything we have been through, between injuries and COVID."