Vladimir Petkovic insists tonight’s Lazio–Napoli” data-scaytid=”2″>Lazio-Napoli is not just a fight for Champions League spots. “We want to send a signal that we’re there for the Scudetto too.”
Vladimir Petkovic insists tonight’s Lazio-Napoli is not just a fight for Champions League spots. “We want to send a signal that we’re there for the Scudetto too.”
The Aquile had gone unbeaten in 16 official games, but have now lost two Serie A fixtures on the trot and given up second place to Napoli. Click here for a match preview.
“Is this game worth a chunk of the season? Yes and no,” said Petkovic in his Press conference.
“It is certainly an important stage of the campaign, because with a win we can get closer to the top two and eventually catch the leaders.
“We are not afraid of Napoli. In life there is only one thing to be afraid of. We are taking on a strong side, who everyone considers to be the main antagonists to Juventus” data-scaytid=”8″>Juventus. We want to prove we’re not just the third placed team.
“It is a gamble and we have been waiting for this fixture, as we lost 3-0 against them earlier this season. We reacted well to that defeat and now we are ready to give them a response.
“After all, we had started that game so well and had Napoli scrambling, but then went behind to a naive error and lost our way. We must be more constant, linear, keeping our heads even in the most difficult moments and not panicking.”
Miroslav Klose is out for two months and Cristian Brocchi suffered a potentially career-ending injury, but Hernanes could return this evening with the aid of a protective helmet after he was knocked unconscious.
“I will speak to Hernanes and the others to figure out whether they can play or not. Players like Klose are very important, but there are others like Sergio Floccari who proved they can do very well in their place. Even more are ready to make their mark.
“We want to get back to being the Lazio the fans know and this is a great chance to achieve that. Everyone says Napoli and Juventus are the only candidates for the title, which is why we want to send a signal that we’re there for the Scudetto too.”
Lazio signed Louis Saha this week as a free agent after he terminated his contract with Sunderland.
“Unfortunately he hasn’t played recently, but he can play for a few minutes to give the team a hand,” concluded Petkovic.