Fabrizio Ravanelli believes Lazio are a team ‘built for achieving third place’ and discusses their upcoming clash with Juventus.
Fabrizio Ravanelli believes Lazio are a team ‘built for achieving third place’ and discusses their upcoming clash with Juventus.
Ravanelli played for both Lazio and Juventus, winning a Scudetto with each, and the two clubs will meet at the Olimpico on Saturday night.
Professing affection for both teams, the ex-striker who also played for Middlesbrough and Dundee stated his belief that Lazio are not too far behind Juventus in terms of quality.
“I’m very attached to both clubs,” Ravanelli explained to Il Messaggero.
“I won things with both, and thanks to Lazio I could be home and near to my father before he died. I’m sure Saturday will be a great game.
“It’s true that Juve are the strongest team in Italy, but Lazio are a good team and can beat Juventus. They’ll give Allegri’s team a tough night if they do things right.
“They’re the third force in Italy, and I said that well before the start of the season.
“If Lazio had a leader, a charismatic Nesta-type in defence they could compete for the title with Juve and Roma. They’re just missing that to be a complete side.
“At Empoli, for example, they conceded twice from set pieces and that’s just not acceptable.
“This game is a major challenge for Lazio, but not a decisive one. If they lose they’ll still get there in the end. But if they win it could accelerate the process.
“It would increase self-belief, which is all that’s needed because Pioli has taken care of the rest. He’s a smart man, and in my opinion is doing a great job.
“The top two will compete for the title, but if Lazio have conviction and determination they can make the Champions League.
“They were underestimated by many.”
Further discussing the Biancocelesti, Ravanelli also praised the team’s collective ability in an interview with Lalaziosiamonoi.
“Lazio is about the team. I don’t think it’s about just one player in particular,” Ravanelli posited.
“It’s a team which is uniform across all departments, albeit with important components like Candreva, Djordjevic and Klose.
“It’s a team which is built for achieving third place and then playing in the Champions League.”
Finally, Ravanelli reflected on his time with the Aquile.
“I have great memories [of my time with Lazio], because I was able to win the Coppa Italia, the Scudetto and the Italian Super Cup.
“The best memory is definitely the Scudetto in 2000.”