Zdeněk Ščasný admits Sparta Prague can’t be defensive against Lazio – “we need at least one goal”.
The Europa League Last 16 tie is in the balance after a 1-1 draw in the Czech Republic last week, and the Coach is under no illusions about the size of the task facing his team.
“It would be great to be able to go through,” Ščasný told ISport.
Zdeněk Ščasný admits Sparta Prague can’t be defensive against Lazio – “we need at least one goal”.
The Europa League Last 16 tie is in the balance after a 1-1 draw in the Czech Republic last week, and the Coach is under no illusions about the size of the task facing his team.
“It would be great to be able to go through,” Ščasný told ISport.
“But I’ve watched Lazio’s home games, especially in cup competitions and I must say that coming to force the play in Rome will be really hard.
“We don’t expect an easy opponent, but we have to score at least one goal, and we have to play differently than in the second half of the first leg.
“We can’t be totally defensive or totally open, the Biancocelesti are solid and have great strikers.
“I’ve also spoken to [former Sparta and Lazio star] Pavel Nedvěd, and he told me they’re one of the best sides in Italy on the counter-attack.
“I want to go through and play well, but my priority is Sunday’s derby with Slavia. Lazio though, in contrast to other Italian teams, are focusing on Europe and you can see that with the nine changes they made against Atalanta.
“Logically their position in the table has an influence.”
Meanwhile, ANSA reports that 1,300 Sparta fans are making the journey from the Czech Republic to Italy for the match.