Simone Inzaghi admits Lazio made costly “individual errors” and the defeat to Atalanta has ended their Champions League ambitions.
“I thought it was a game played at the right tempo, but we made individual errors that were too big on the second and third goal, so lost our shape after that,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia after a 3-1 home loss.
Simone Inzaghi admits Lazio made costly “individual errors” and the defeat to Atalanta has ended their Champions League ambitions.
“I thought it was a game played at the right tempo, but we made individual errors that were too big on the second and third goal, so lost our shape after that,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia after a 3-1 home loss.
“Atalanta did very well, but up until it was 1-1, we were in a very strong situation. Ultimately, Atalanta were more determined and deserved to win. This was a fundamental match for us and we didn’t do enough.
“We didn’t do enough on the big stage and made individual errors that are always very costly for us. Whenever we make mistakes or aren’t intense enough, we pay a heavy price.
“It was going well in the first half and we forced a few saves from Pierluigi Gollini, but after the break we weren’t sharp enough.”
Both individual errors were from Wallace, as he gave away the ball for 2-1 and then scored an own goal, which prompted the crowd to jeer him.
“There were other errors before that, such as on the counter-attack with quality players who got it wrong. Wallace was returning from injury, he was tense, but I preferred to take Bastos off because he was on a yellow card.”
Inzaghi will face Atalanta again in the Coppa Italia Final on May 15 and the winners go straight into the Europa League.
“I think it’s over for us and the Champions League. We want to qualify for Europe, which we can do either through the Coppa Italia or in Serie A. We’re still up there and have the head-to-head with Torino, so we hope to make it through with our Serie A position and not wait for the Coppa.
“There are two paths to the Europa League and we can do it. Naturally, a team like ours has to be in Europe. We are upset with this defeat, but it can still be done.”