Lazio vice-captain Stefano Mauri has discussed the club's ambitions and thanked fans for standing by him during his legal issues.
Lazio vice-captain Stefano Mauri has discussed the club's ambitions and thanked fans for standing by him during his legal issues.
The 32-year-old, who was arrested at the end of last season for his alleged involvement in the Calcioscommesse scandal, was upbeat when asked about the Aquile's future, praising new Coach Vladimir Petkovic.
"I feel that Lazio will be challenging for Champions League places in the next two years,” he told Sky Sport 24. “That is what we are aiming towards.
"Petkovic has made a good impression. He has ideas that some Italian coaches don't have. It is not so easy to put those ideas into practice, but we will get there. We had a training camp that was not easy, but we are now putting his ideas on to the pitch.
"He is new, but this is not a revolution.”
The Biancocelesti have won both of their competitive games under Petkovic so far, and will play the third against FK Mura in Rome tonight. They go into the Europa League play-off second leg with a 2-0 aggregate advantage.
Mauri is grateful to all the fans who stood by him whilst he was detained in prison on suspicion of match.
"I want to thank all the fans who stood by me. I am now fully concentrated on Lazio. There is nothing to add, I don't want to talk about it. I have full confidence in the justice system ”
The former Udinese man also gave his thoughts on the Scudetto race.
"Juventus have an advantage over the others, but they will have the Champions League, so they could drop points unlike last year. Inter have also reinforced their squad, and are a great team. And then there's also Milan and Napoli.”