Lazio director Igli Tare hopes the heavy Europa League defeat to Midtjylland has taught the team ‘a lesson’ on determination, focus and not under-estimating tonight’s opponents Sturm Graz.
It kicks off in Austria at 17.45 UK time (16.45 GMT).
The group is completely balanced with three points for all four teams, so Maurizio Sarri keeps squad rotation to a minimum this time around after the 5-1 defeat to Midtjylland.
“Underestimating the opponent was a huge mistake, we talked about it, and that can help our mentality to grow, as you learn from these lessons,” Tare told Sky Sport Italia.
“We need a great deal of determination and the desire to win a game that will be fundamental for qualification, because we have two home games to go in this group and that can allow us to turn things around.”
Maurizio Sarri said in yesterday’s press conference that Lazio are not ready to compete on three fronts, but hopes they can be in a few months. What did he mean by that?
“Where we are now in Serie A is what we deserve, but this team can and will give more, we are sure about that,” explained Tare.
“His comment might also have put pressure on the squad and environment, and he was right, because it’s too early to judge.
“There are more prestigious clubs than us who have big ups and downs at the moment. We saw it is important to focus on consistency in Serie A. There is a lot more to be done, we can all agree on that.”