Stefano Pioli warns Lazio’s clash with Bologna is ‘not easy’, and predicts ‘a complicated match’.
The Biancocelesti Coach addressed the media ahead of the first weekend of the Serie A season, with the Rossoblu visiting Stadio Olimpico tomorrow.
“We want to approach the game in the right way,” Pioli explained.
“The team is good, we want three points but it won’t be easy. There’s a thin line between winning and losing, but we’re eager to start the right way.
Stefano Pioli warns Lazio’s clash with Bologna is ‘not easy’, and predicts ‘a complicated match’.
The Biancocelesti Coach addressed the media ahead of the first weekend of the Serie A season, with the Rossoblu visiting Stadio Olimpico tomorrow.
“We want to approach the game in the right way,” Pioli explained.
“The team is good, we want three points but it won’t be easy. There’s a thin line between winning and losing, but we’re eager to start the right way.
“Do I fear Bologna’s attack? I fear every dangerous opponent, we know them well. We’ve been preparing in the best way.
“They have enthusiasm, as do we, we got an important result [on Tuesday against Bayer Leverkusen] after a difficult pre-season, now we have to ensure consistency.
“I’m expecting a complicated match, they’ll try to limit our space and hit us on the break. The team has been working well, we’re focused and we’ve recovered from some fatigue.”
Pioli also denied that he would rest players, with the second leg of the Champions League play-off against Leverkusen on Wednesday.
“The team has recovered well, and the result gave us confidence. We have to concentrate on tomorrow.
“To better prepare for the Leverkusen match, we have to do well tomorrow. At the moment, the more we play the better it is.
“A lot of players will play tomorrow, to get a better rhythm and intensity.”
Keita Balde Diao scored the crucial goal on Tuesday, and could play as the central striker tomorrow after an unsettled summer.
“When I’ve spoken to the lad he’s never expressed any doubts,” Pioli insisted, despite the Spaniard demanding to be sold.
“After the game he said the most important thing is to play. He’s a complete player, he has important attributes.
“He can play behind the strikers, as a central striker or on the wings. Talent counts, but so does attitude.
“He has to play with that desire [he showed against Leverkusen].”