Stefano Pioli said Lazio “champions work for each other” to eliminate Napoli and can go all the way in the Coppa Italia.
This will be their eighth Coppa Italia Final, having won six of the previous seven, as they face Juventus at the Stadio Olimpico on June 7.
Stefano Pioli said Lazio “champions work for each other” to eliminate Napoli and can go all the way in the Coppa Italia.
This will be their eighth Coppa Italia Final, having won six of the previous seven, as they face Juventus at the Stadio Olimpico on June 7.
“I think the whole team deserves praise for a great battling performance in this difficult arena. I said this side deserved the Final after a long path to get here and we’re very satisfied,” the Coach told Rai Sport after the 1-0 victory.
“Now we must focus on Serie A again, as we want to continue our good run there too.”
Senad Lulic and Stefano Mauri came off the bench, moving the system from 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1.
“I have many options at my disposal. We wanted to remain as solid as possible, aware Napoli are strong on the counter, but when spaces opened up we tried to push them harder and found the breakthrough.”
In all competition, the Aquile have won eight of their last nine games, interrupted only by a 1-1 draw in the first leg of that Coppa Italia semi-final.
“I had great respect from Lazio fans ever since the start of the season. Maybe my name wasn’t as glamorous as some, but I did the work I needed to and knew from pre-season I had a squad of great quality at my disposal.
“I also knew we’d need time to fulfil our potential, as many players came back late from the World Cup.
“We achieved an important objective in reaching the Final, but we’ve won nothing yet. Compliments are lovely, but we’re only halfway there and it’s only right considering our circumstances that we focus on concrete results.
“Napoli are a great team. It’s true they are struggling in terms of results, but they had so many scoring opportunities today and have been built up over time, constructed this season to play in the Champions League.
“We have nothing to envy Napoli, as we had champions like Klose and Biglia, everyone prepared to work hard for each other as a unit.”
Nearly 2,000 fans were at the Termini railway station to wave the team off, as they were barred from making the trip to Naples due to security fears.
“Yesterday they really fired us up in an incredible way. It’s pleasing to feel their passion and we are all stronger together. There’s a long way to go.”
Pioli was asked whether Lazio would prefer to win the Coppa Italia or finish ahead of Roma in the Serie A table.
“When I say we have to aim for the maximum this season, I mean trying to win every single game. We’ve always taken it one match at a time and we’ll continue like that.”