Lazio director Igli Tare sees themselves as ‘favourites’ against Juventus in the Coppa Italia quarter-final this evening and is confident Sergej Milinkovic-Savic will sign a new contract. ‘I know how things stand.’
It kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin at 20.00 GMT.
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.
The Biancocelesti chief was asked about reports that Milinkovic-Savic has doubts over signing a new contract to stay at the Stadio Olimpico.
“I know how things stand, so there’s no controversy. Everything will resolve itself at the opportune moment,” Tare told Sport Mediaset.
“The positive thing is that I never read what is written, because I know that you get nowhere with ifs and buts. I know how things stand and I am relaxed.”
Milinkovic-Savic turns 28 later this month and is on the bench this evening, but his current contract only runs until June 2024.
Lazio did business with Juventus over the January transfer window, bringing in Luca Pellegrini on loan and he is on the bench this evening.
“There was a necessity expressed by the coach and we were able to sign a young talent who above all loves these club colours.”
Meanwhile, Juventus are stuttering in Serie A and hope to get back on track in the Coppa Italia, with the winners of this quarter-final going on to face Inter.
“We consider ourselves to be favourites, because Juve need to reboot. It won’t be easy, but we see this as a big opportunity to close on one of our objectives for this season.”