Stefano Pioli felt Lazio “dominated” Roma and blasted “unprofessional” Rudi Garcia, but must get back on track against Napoli.
The Aquile were beaten 2-1 in the Derby della Capitale and will now be out of the Champions League preliminary round if they lose to Napoli on Sunday night.
Stefano Pioli felt Lazio “dominated” Roma and blasted “unprofessional” Rudi Garcia, but must get back on track against Napoli.
The Aquile were beaten 2-1 in the Derby della Capitale and will now be out of the Champions League preliminary round if they lose to Napoli on Sunday night.
“Roma defended very well, but we dominated the game and Roma let us take the initiative, often taking away the spaces. We should’ve found more channels,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“The game should’ve gone differently, but unfortunately we paid for a distraction with a heavy price.
“Of course in matches this hard-fought, individual moments can change it. Filip Djordjevic had a great game, we pinned Roma back and they basically scored with their only two shots on goal.
“It is a shame, as we wanted to finish off the Champions League issue today, but we have another chance on Sunday and have to take it.
“It was not easy, as Roma defended with everyone behind the ball. We could’ve done more and supported Stefano Mauri more with the wingers, but Lazio were largely in control and the only counter-attack we allowed turned into the goal.
“We got them back level and conceded from a set play.”
Lazio are now understandably downhearted, as they lost the Coppa Italia Final to Juventus in extra time on Wednesday and could now lose third place in a head-to-head with Napoli.
“It’s obvious to say there is great disappointment in the locker room. In four days we lost two games that we did not deserve to lose.
“The players are distraught in the locker room right now, but tomorrow it will be better and we can focus on Napoli.
“This is football. We built our journey via heavy defeats too and have to prove we are a real team. We still have the chance to finish in the top three.
“It remains a strong season, but we must not end it with too many regrets. The Derby was important for us, the fans and everyone in the city.
“We’ve laid strong foundations for the future, but this season is not yet over and we want to play it to the end.”
Pioli was deeply offended by Roma boss Garcia’s Press conference yesterday, where he accused Lazio of “crying” to get decisions go their way.
“I was very happy for foreign Coaches coming into Serie A, as I thought we could learn from them in terms of mentality and sporting culture.
“But I see when they come here, they change quickly and become even worse than us. What Garcia said, that we were whiners, was completely unnecessary.
“It was not right, not fair and not professional.”