Fabrizio Ravanelli claims that Lazio aren’t far off challenging the likes of Juventus and Roma at the top of Serie A, and could even qualify for the Champions League this season.
The Biancocelesti have had an impressive start to the season under new coach Stefano Pioli, and take on current leaders Juventus on Saturday night at the Stadio Olimpico.
Ravanelli won the Serie A title with both clubs, and told Il Messaggero he believes Lazio have what it takes to beat the Old Lady at the weekend.
“I’m very attached to these two clubs, I have won with both of them and then, thanks to Lazio I returned home and I could stay close to my dad before he left. Saturday will be a great game, I’m sure,” said the 45-year-old.
“It’s true that Juve are the strongest team in Italy, but Lazio are a good team and can beat Juventus. For [Juventus coach Massimiliano] Allegri’s preparation it is likely to be a bad night if you do not do things right.”
The former Marseille striker was full of praise for Lazio, and insists they are not far off a title challenge.
“They are the third strongest force in the league and I said this well before the beginning of the season.
“If Lazio had a leader, a charismatic type like [former Lazio centre-back Alessandro] Nesta in defence, they could easily break domination of Juve and Roma. There is no doubt; they only lack this to be complete.
“For Lazio [the Juventus match] is a major challenge but not decisive.
“If they win, however, it accelerates the process of the project, increases self-esteem and awareness; all the rest will follow simply because Pioli is smart and, in my opinion, is doing a great job.
“The first two will compete for the title, but if the Biancocelesti grow in determination and belief they can reach the Champions League. They have been too underestimated.”
Ravanelli, who left his first major coaching job at French side AC Ajaccio last November, has also tipped Lazio striker Filip Djordjevic to be a potential match winner on Saturday.
“At Juve there are so many [decisive players] from [Carlos] Tevez and [Paul] Pogba to [Arturo] Vidal.
“At Lazio everything points to [Antonio] Candreva and Djordjevic. What Djordjevic does is to sacrifice himself and fight, I know him well having coached in Ligue1; he will do great things.”
Follow George Gibson on Twitter: @George_Gibson9
