Simone Inzaghi expects “a different game” with Juventus in the Supercoppa Italiana. “It’s Lazio’s fourth Final in three-and-a-half years. We've already proved we can have our say.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 16.45 GMT in Riyadh and assigns the trophy between Scudetto winners and Coppa Italia holders.
Simone Inzaghi expects “a different game” with Juventus in the Supercoppa Italiana. “It’s Lazio’s fourth Final in three-and-a-half years. We've already proved we can have our say.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 16.45 GMT in Riyadh and assigns the trophy between Scudetto winners and Coppa Italia holders.
These sides met only last week in Serie A, Lazio emerging 3-1 winners at the Stadio Olimpico, so far the only defeat of Maurizio Sarri’s Juve career.
“I think tomorrow will be a very different game, as in 90 or 120 minutes, we are playing for a trophy,” said Inzaghi in his press conference.
“It’ll be a match where it is crucial not to make mistakes, as both teams can do damage at any moment. We are in a great period of form with eight consecutive Serie A victories, the team is well-drilled and we feel confident.
“This is our fourth Final in three-and-a-half years between Coppa Italia and Supercoppa, so we’ll see what happens. In Serie A there is time to make up for a setback, but here it’s all decided in one evening.”
Juventus have started Paulo Dybala, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain together for the last two games, victories over Udinese and Sampdoria, but will they risk it against Lazio?
“Regardless of how they play, we’ll be up against a team with great quality,” assured Inzaghi.
“We have prepared for any eventuality. I told the lads to stay concentrated, as our performances in Serie A taught us important lessons about conceding goals against the run of play. It’ll be important to keep hold of the ball and make Juventus do the running, which is what they’ll do with us when they have possession.
“Everyone knows Cristiano Ronaldo, he is a champion who can change the game at any moment, but there are many other players we are keeping a close eye on.
“It’s a special Final, I saw great unity and focus from the lads. On paper, Juventus have more potential than us, but we’ve already proved on the pitch that we can have our say.”
Inzaghi was asked if this represents the most important match of his management career.
“Every game is important. I have extraordinary players, it is our fourth Final in three-and-a-half years. I’ve had other big games, such as the Coppa Italia Final, the Supercoppa we won against Juventus with Alessandro Murgia’s goal for 3-2, the last head-to-head with Inter for the Champions League places.
“This Lazio feels more confident in itself than when we last played Juve in the Supercoppa in 2017. We want to continue our winning streak, but it’ll take something extraordinary.
“It’s reassuring to see that Juventus played 23 games and only lost against us. We deserve to be third in Serie A and are reaping the rewards now, as initially the results didn’t come, but the performances were there.”