Ahead of the weekend clash between league leaders Juventus and fifth place Lazio, head coach of the Biancocelesti Stefano Pioli has insisted that his side are not thinking about the possibility of a defeat and instead are focused solely on winning.
The Lazio coach has stated that his side are prepared to display their own identity and that they will hope to use the intense atmosphere at the Stadio Olimpico to gain an advantage over their opponents.
“We will play with our own identity and look to the play best game that we can,” said Pioli in his pre-match press conference.
“With our fans behind us we will have at least 12 players, if not 13.
“Juventus have never been complacent before and I don’t think that they will be tomorrow. We want to win, and our willingness to win must be greater than our fear of losing.”
Lazio have only lost once in seven games, this defeat coming against Empoli in their previous match. However Pioli has insisted that this loss was natural for the development of the squad.
“This defeat against Empoli is part of the progression of the squad. We have analysed the game and despite that fact that we gave away very little, we still conceded two goals.
“This tells us that we cannot give up anything, it teaches us that we need determination, malice and cynicism to become a great squad.”
Pioli has also reiterated Lazio’s ambition to clinch a European place.
“Our objective is the same as always, to return to Europe. It will be a tough fight but we will keep on trying to improve our position in each match, including the match tomorrow.”
