Goalkeeper Federico Marchetti says Lazio are 'ready' for the Supercup against Juventus and warns: 'The hungriest lifts the trophy'.
The Biancocelesti will be up against the Italian champions in Shanghai this Saturday, August 8, and the 32-year-old has been in China for several weeks already.
“We've certainly been working well,” he told Lazio Style Radio 89.3. “As far as I'm concerned, I left with the very first team-members and I've got more than one month of training behind me now.
Goalkeeper Federico Marchetti says Lazio are 'ready' for the Supercup against Juventus and warns: 'The hungriest lifts the trophy'.
The Biancocelesti will be up against the Italian champions in Shanghai this Saturday, August 8, and the 32-year-old has been in China for several weeks already.
“We've certainly been working well,” he told Lazio Style Radio 89.3. “As far as I'm concerned, I left with the very first team-members and I've got more than one month of training behind me now.
“I think it was a good idea to leave earlier to get used to the atmosphere and get over the jet-lag.
“It's not an easy thing to play with this temperature and this humidity.
“The match will be decided by individual episodes and the trophy will be lifted by the hungriest team.”
Marchetti then discussed the reception that was awarded to them by the local supporters.
“I was surprised by the warmth shown to us by the Chinese people, though I'd already been told that in China people go crazy for football.
“We found out at the airport when we were greeted by a crowd of supporters.
“The team's doing fine, friendlies aside, in which we played against teams that were in a better condition of form than us.
“We were without some players called for the national team, who are extremely important to us.
“On Saturday we're playing our first real game, and when we have to do things seriously we make sure to be ready.”
The goalkeeper was then asked about Lazio's upcoming younger players.
“Years pass by and I feel a little bit like an old man, but I still have a child's enthusiasm.
“It's a mix of younger and more expert players.
“The younger players have to assist and the veteran core which I am part of have to guide them.
“This year you'll see the best of us. Last season we were the surprise but now we have to confirm ourselves.
“[Stefan] Radu? He's always first in line when it comes to causing damage!
“My new hairstyle? It's for a bet – I was going to do it if we came third.
“Let's see if this year I can shave everything off.”