Fiorentina Coach Stefano Pioli believes Lazio have “caused us most problems this season” and admits “my players have to come off exhausted”.
The Viola are chasing a Europa League place, and welcome Simone Inzaghi’s Champions League-chasing team to the Franchi tomorrow.
“They’re the team that has caused us most problems this season, although both games we’ve played were very even,” Pioli pointed out in his pre-match Press conference.
Fiorentina Coach Stefano Pioli believes Lazio have “caused us most problems this season” and admits “my players have to come off exhausted”.
The Viola are chasing a Europa League place, and welcome Simone Inzaghi’s Champions League-chasing team to the Franchi tomorrow.
“They’re the team that has caused us most problems this season, although both games we’ve played were very even,” Pioli pointed out in his pre-match Press conference.
“We had plenty of chances in the league game albeit only getting the equaliser at the death. It was a good performance, especially in the first half.
“We didn’t produce our best showing in the Coppa, but even so we were in the game until the final whistle. Lazio are a physical side with a real presence and they get numbers forward – they’re a good side and the stats are proving that.
“They’re the highest scoring team in Serie A and have the league’s top scorer [Ciro Immobile].
“It was a surprise to see them get knocked out of the Europa League but then they produced a great performance in the derby, so we’re expecting to face a great side.
“In recent years they’ve consistently finished near the top of the table. They have physical presence, they’re organised and they have individual quality, so we’re definitely going to need to put in a big performance
“The numbers tell you that Inzaghi has a complete team.
“My past with Lazio? Those were two intense years in Rome, the first was intense in a positive way, the second in a negative way.
“Lazio is in the past now though, I’m just focused on the end to our league season.”
Given it’s a midweek round, will there be rotation for tomorrow?
“We certainly play in a way which takes a lot of energy. My players have to come off exhausted, if we still have something to give at the end it means we didn’t give enough during the match.
“The team is fine and we still have two training sessions. There will be some changes, but not too many if the condition of the players allows it.”