Stefano Pioli believes Lazio’s path to the Coppa Italia Final “remains open” after a 1-1 first leg draw with Napoli.
“Clearly at this moment the result favours our opponents, but the second leg remains open,” the Coach told Rai Sport.
“We are satisfied with the performance, but should’ve made more of the chances we created to score more.
Stefano Pioli believes Lazio’s path to the Coppa Italia Final “remains open” after a 1-1 first leg draw with Napoli.
“Clearly at this moment the result favours our opponents, but the second leg remains open,” the Coach told Rai Sport.
“We are satisfied with the performance, but should’ve made more of the chances we created to score more.
“We will go to the San Paolo to score a goal, which is our attitude in every game anyway, and have a month to prepare.
“When we conceded the goal, we should’ve been more careful in defence and not let them through. Right at the end if Parolo’s pass had been 2cm further forward, Cataldi would’ve been clear on goal.
“It is a tough fixture, but I believe we have the quality and characteristics to qualify. Of course we wanted a better result tonight, but we have the potential to score in Naples. We believe in our chances and tonight’s performance should give our players more belief too.
“In the first half our three forwards did well to interrupt Napoli starting moves from the back. We didn’t close them down quite as well after the break and that allowed them to come forward.”
Are Lazio on the same level as Napoli, including in the race for third in Serie A?
“I thought we played on a par, the same way we did in Serie A. Napoli have been working for years to build a stronger squad and this season they were constructed to take part in the Champions League.
“We are at the start of our journey, but we’re up there and want to get back into Europe. We’ll push hard, but it won’t be easy because there are some very important teams challenging for the same places.”
Felipe Anderson has become the breakout star at Lazio, though his first season was very disappointing. What prompted such a radical change in form?
“He always had the potential and that was beyond doubt. He arrived from a different League, a different culture, he’s young and just needed time. He’s probably playing more consistently now and has found the confidence in himself.
“I still think he can improve a great deal, being more consistent over the 90 minutes and sharper in his decision-making.”