Vladimir Petkovic felt Lazio did enough to deserve victory against Tottenham and was glad to meet Paul Gascoigne too.
Vladimir Petkovic felt Lazio did enough to deserve victory against Tottenham and was glad to meet Paul Gascoigne too.
The Biancocelesti were held to a 0-0 draw, though that was still enough to see them qualify for the next round of the Europa League.
“It was important to get back to a strong performance and we showed today we can do well even against a team like Tottenham,” said the Coach.
“We only lacked a goal after creating four or five chances, but despite this I must compliment my lads for what they achieved.
“How far can we go? I don’t know… We certainly want to win every game and impress, starting from the match with Maribor where we will aim to secure first place in the group. We can fight it out with anyone.”
Before kick-off former Spurs and Lazio star Gascoigne was given a lap of honour and greeted warmly by supporters at the Stadio Olimpico 17 years after his last game here.
“It was wonderful to see so much enthusiasm,” continued Petkovic. “You can tell that Gazza brought so many emotions to these people that they remained intact even after all these years. I compliment Gazza, but above all this crowd.”
Hernanes limped off with a slight thigh problem, while Miroslav Klose missed out due to a knock.
“I hope Hernanes will be fit to face Udinese. He started the second half with a thigh twinge, but it shouldn’t be anything serious and we replaced him as a precautionary measure.
“As for Klose, we have to evaluate his condition over the next few days.”
Lazio look to be the only Italian side who will qualify top of their group, as today Inter fielded a group of teenagers in their head-to-head with Rubin Kazan.
“I knew before I arrived that in Italy they generally do not focus much on the second competition, holding the Coppa Italia in the same consideration. As far as I am concerned, we are targeting all three tournaments and I want my lads to always give their all.”