Lazio Coach Stefano Pioli admits the Aquile are battling Napoli on two fronts as they prepare to meet in the Coppa Italia.
The Biancocelesti welcome Rafa Benitez’s side to Stadio Olimpico tomorrow in the Coppa Italia, and are just two points behind them in the race for the third and final Champions League spot.
“Clearly, Napoli are our closest rival on both fronts at the moment,” Pioli said in his pre-match Press conference.
Lazio Coach Stefano Pioli admits the Aquile are battling Napoli on two fronts as they prepare to meet in the Coppa Italia.
The Biancocelesti welcome Rafa Benitez’s side to Stadio Olimpico tomorrow in the Coppa Italia, and are just two points behind them in the race for the third and final Champions League spot.
“Clearly, Napoli are our closest rival on both fronts at the moment,” Pioli said in his pre-match Press conference.
“We know it will be difficult, we have to have respect for an opponent that started the season with the goal of winning the League and the Champions League and which has won the Supercoppa.
“The team is doing well, but it’s normal to have some good times and some not-so-good times over the course of a season. Recent victories have built confidence, and we have to continue on this path.
“We can think about picking up a lot of points [in Serie A], we’ll need to get as many as we can, we must compete until the end. Then we’ll see what we’re able to do.”
Looking ahead specifically to tomorrow night’s game, Pioli called on the Lazio faithful to turn out to support the team.
“We need the fans. The timing [of the match] is important, it could almost be crucial for our season. The fans are another weapon, a full stadium would give us an extra boost. The players deserve it.
“I hope that tomorrow’s game sees Lazio at our best. We know it’s an important game, but it’s only the first of a double-header.
“We’ll try to impose ourselves on the game as always. We have to be careful, and think carefully about the choices we make in the game. Our opponents are very dangerous.
“We need to be careful to have the right balance, but our approach must be to impose ourselves on the game. That said, we’ll have to be wary of counter-attacks.
“We’ll have to remain calm, knowing that the tie won’t be decided [either way] tomorrow night.
“Tomorrow is the first of two games, and it’s very important. We want to start the second leg with the advantage.
“We’re playing in front of our fans, and we want to play the Lazio way. The lads deserve the semi-finals after winning at Torino and in Milan.”