Edy Reja returns to face Napoli for the first time as an opponent, but above all “it is a crucial game for Lazio if we want the Champions League.”
The Coach took the San Paolo side from Serie C1 to the top flight in a four-year spell and had never stepped back into this arena before the Sunday lunch-time kick-off.
“It is going to be more decisive for us than for Napoli,” said Reja. “If we want to get into the Champions League, then we have to prove we're on their level.
Edy Reja returns to face Napoli for the first time as an opponent, but above all “it is a crucial game for Lazio if we want the Champions League.”
The Coach took the San Paolo side from Serie C1 to the top flight in a four-year spell and had never stepped back into this arena before the Sunday lunch-time kick-off.
“It is going to be more decisive for us than for Napoli,” said Reja. “If we want to get into the Champions League, then we have to prove we're on their level.
“A positive result would improve confidence and then, yes, a place in the top four would be closer to our reach.”
The Biancocelesti are hit hard by bans ruling out Cristian Ledesma, Francelino Matuzalem and Stefan Radu.
“It is a game everyone would love to play for what is at stake and the atmosphere in the stands. This is going to be very difficult, especially with our absences in midfield, but we mustn't make the mistake we did against Milan at San Siro.
“If we step on to the field with fear in our hearts, then we've already lost. Having said that, I believe my Lazio has the character to put in a strong performance.”