Stefano Pioli wants Fiorentina to rely on their football philosophy against Milan Badelj’s Lazio, but loses Kevin Mirallas to injury.
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“Our away performances this season have taught us we must never give in. We’ve especially got to be on our toes against an opponent with such quality, as every ball could be decisive,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
Stefano Pioli wants Fiorentina to rely on their football philosophy against Milan Badelj’s Lazio, but loses Kevin Mirallas to injury.
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“Our away performances this season have taught us we must never give in. We’ve especially got to be on our toes against an opponent with such quality, as every ball could be decisive,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
“Kevin Mirallas is not making the trip, as he had an ankle problem in the final training session. Marko Pjaca is in good shape, but I wish he’d be more relaxed and enthusiastic, not weighed down by the desire to prove something.
“I don’t know if other teams are getting scared of us, but our growth process must be a gradual and continual one, because we are still young.
“Our ambition is to improve upon last season and be dangerous in every game. Our future will be decided by results, so let’s not put the horse before the cart.
“The important thing is to rely on our philosophy, which is to play good football and create chances. It’ll be tough, because Lazio combine technical quality with physical strength.”
Lazio also have midfielder Milan Badelj, who left Fiorentina as a free agent over the summer.
“I cared for him very much and he was a real reference point both before and after the tragedy (of captain Davide Astori’s death). I tried everything to keep him, but both he and us had made other choices. I think he appreciated me and I certainly appreciated him, so I’m happy to see him again.
“It is important to press Lazio high, as they have some rather unusual positioning on the field and it’s not that easy to run at them. We must be intelligent, sharp and not get too unbalanced.
“I expect Lazio to be very determined, as they lost the derby and the Europa League game with Eintracht Frankfurt, so we’ll have to match their determination. Whoever wins the most individual duels will have a better chance of winning.”
Pioli was fired by Lazio in April 2016 and replaced for the final weeks of the season by Simone Inzaghi.
“We have a good rapport. He’s a very smart lad and is doing great things.”