Mattia Zaccagni reveals the way Lazio players decide who takes a penalty after the 4-1 Europa League win over OGC Nice. ‘We’re doing a great job.’
The Biancocelesti had already won the first game in the tournament, 3-0 over Dynamo Kyiv on neutral turf in Hamburg.
They maintained their 100 per cent record on the continent with tonight’s 4-1 victory against OGC Nice at an increasingly waterlogged Stadio Olimpico.
Pedro had broken through, then Taty Castellanos completed a brace, but despite winning the penalty, the Argentina international left the spot-kick to Zaccagni.
“We work so hard during the week and the second half performance today was a symbol of how much we are improving,” Zaccagni told Sky Sport Italia.
“We finished the match with grit and humility on a playing surface that was frankly impossible. The coach tells us to decide amongst ourselves who should take the penalty and there are no problems.”
Zaccagni sees unity at Lazio
With so many new players in the side and a change in coach, Zaccagni is now one of the most experienced figures in the Lazio squad.
He also has the benefit of having previously worked with coach Marco Baroni at Hellas Verona.
“Baroni is a wonderful person and a great coach who created an immediate bond with the players. He is doing a great job.
“Many young players have arrived, but it is also true that there are experienced figures who have been here for a long time and we must drill the right mentality into these lads. I feel that we’re doing that,” concluded Zaccagni.
Lazio were already coming off a 3-2 Serie A victory away to previous leaders Torino, confirming their impressive form under new coach Baroni this season.