Stefano Pioli has lost Stefano Mauri too, but hopes a decimated Lazio “can prove we’re a team” against Napoli.
This head-to-head for third place kicks off on Sunday at 11.30 GMT, click here for a match preview.
The injury crisis intensified today with news Mauri is also out of the big game, joining Stefan de Vrij, Felipe Anderson, Senad Lulic, Michael Ciani, Ederson, Alvaro Gonzalez, Edson Braafheid, Santiago Gentiletti and the suspended Federico Marchetti in the stands.
Stefano Pioli has lost Stefano Mauri too, but hopes a decimated Lazio “can prove we’re a team” against Napoli.
This head-to-head for third place kicks off on Sunday at 11.30 GMT, click here for a match preview.
The injury crisis intensified today with news Mauri is also out of the big game, joining Stefan de Vrij, Felipe Anderson, Senad Lulic, Michael Ciani, Ederson, Alvaro Gonzalez, Edson Braafheid, Santiago Gentiletti and the suspended Federico Marchetti in the stands.
“Unfortunately these situations are part and parcel of our campaign. We should instead see this as an opportunity to prove we are a team,” said Pioli in his Press conference.
“We will be ready. It’s an important game that means a great deal, as it’s a head-to-head. Napoli have been involved in this type of match for years, so we’re aware that we are facing a strong side, but we’ve got quality too.
“In terms of mentality, we are two quite similar sides. We both want to be aggressive in attack and share similar characteristics. This means the winning team will be the one that shows the best technique and picks the right passes. Napoli are lethal on the counter, but the more you pressure them on the ball, the more they will struggle.”
Lazio are one point clear in third place, but are still smarting from a 3-0 defeat to Juventus.
“I had always hoped we’d be in this position, as from pre-season I could tell I had a competitive squad. Clearly the campaign is a long one, but we got into third place deservedly and will do everything to keep hold of it.
“That Juve game taught us a lot and we’d love to play it again. We made mistakes and were too enthusiastic, losing our balance. We grew up at that moment.
“We are going out there to win tomorrow and it is a huge opportunity, so we mustn’t look to good or bad luck. We are a great team, we are competitive both on the field and on the bench. Our mentality must remain the same.”
Lazio squad for Napoli: Berisha, Guerrieri, Strakosha; Basta, Cana, Cavanda, Konko, Novaretti, Pereirinha, Radu; Biglia, Cataldi, Ledesma, Onazi, Parolo, Candreva; Keita, Djordjevic, Klose, Tounkara