Stefano Pioli thanked Lazio fans for their 2am visit and doubts they’ll lose intensity against Empoli for an eighth straight win.
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
The Aquile are unstoppable at the moment, winning seven in a row to go third in Serie A and knocking holders Napoli out of the Coppa Italia midweek.
Stefano Pioli thanked Lazio fans for their 2am visit and doubts they’ll lose intensity against Empoli for an eighth straight win.
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
The Aquile are unstoppable at the moment, winning seven in a row to go third in Serie A and knocking holders Napoli out of the Coppa Italia midweek.
Over 1,000 fans flocked to the Formello training ground at 2am on Wednesday night to welcome the team home from that semi-final victory.
“We have done some good things, but haven’t achieved anything yet,” warned Coach Pioli in his Press conference.
“It was really emotional to see them there, and at the train station on the way to Naples. It was only right to celebrate with them.
“The fans appreciate our spirit and know we are stronger together, but also that we haven’t achieved anything yet. Lazio are a club who belong in Europe. We must push on. We want to bring something home and until we do, we must continue like this.
“Tomorrow I want to win against Empoli and continue this positive streak. I doubt we could get distracted, because this is a group of very humble professionals.
“A ‘normal’ team might be swept up in the euphoria and play without concentration, but we are not normal. Lazio are a special team.”
Another victory would allow Pioli to equal the run set by legendary Lazio Coach Tommaso Maestrelli.
“Compliments are pleasing, but we are not here to think about records. Those only come as a consequence of individual wins. We reached this stage precisely because we took it one game at a time.
“We want to achieve the maximum of our potential and even we don’t know what that is yet. We are all very happy to be part of this glorious club. You can see our passion.”
Dusan Basta and Mauricio are suspended, joining Stefan Radu, Federico Marchetti, Santiago Gentiletti, Filip Djordjevic and Abdoulay Konko on the injury list.
“We’ll make a few changes because of the packed fixture list, but our team has already responded well to absences this season, so that’ll be the case again tomorrow.
“In the past we struggled against opponents who pressed us, so were unable to be aggressive and confident enough, but things have changed.
“It’ll be tough against an Empoli side that is reactive, fresh and sharp. Maurizio Sarri and his players deserve praise for their campaign, as even when they lost, his team always played well.
“Earlier this season we paid a price for distractions on set plays in the defeat against them, but we have improved and have the quality to trouble Empoli.”
Lazio squad for Empoli: Berisha, Guerrieri, Strakosha, Braafheid, Cana, Cavanda, Ciani, De Vrij, Novaretti, Pereirinha, Felipe Anderson, Biglia, Candreva, Cataldi, Ederson, Ledesma, Lulic, Mauri, Onazi, Parolo, Keita, Klose, Perea,