Vladimir Petkovic wants Lazio to beat Cagliari tomorrow and clinch Europe before the Coppa Final. “This game is worth a great deal.”
Vladimir Petkovic wants Lazio to beat Cagliari tomorrow and clinch Europe before the Coppa Final. “This game is worth a great deal.”
The Biancocelesti are currently in sixth place, but only the top five go into Europe – although the sixth could also go in depending on who wins the Coppa Italia next week.
“This match with Cagliari is worth a great deal, as three precious points could confirm what a good season we’ve had,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
“I hope my lads will give their all and the team moves the right way. Our result and those of the other games are a consequence of those performances.
“If we win against Cagliari, then we’ll reach the Derby in the best possible condition, both in terms of form and conviction. A victory would give us more confidence to face Roma.”
Cagliari have been safely mid-table for some time, but held Juventus to a 1-1 draw last week and are not giving in.
“It is not going to be a foregone conclusion,” warned Petkovic. “Cagliari had a good season despite the many difficulties. They’ve won their last two ‘home’ games, even though they were played in Trieste, and many individual talents want to prove themselves.
“We have got to give our all and win the game, then we can look at what the other results tell us. The Sardinians have our full focus, so I will field the best starting XI available.
“We are without Bruno Pereirinha and Hernanes, while I still have to decide who will start. Stefano Mauri and Ederson are not 100 per cent fit.
“We want to end the season on a high and honour every competition. We did very well in Europe, reaching the quarter-finals, while we have the opportunity to win the Coppa Italia. We can give a sense of consistency to what we have achieved this term.”