Lazio coach Stefano Pioli believes that the fight for the final Champions League qualification spot will be a close till the very end of the season.
The Biancocelesti are currently unbeaten in their previous three Serie A matches and travel to Milan on Sunday night to play Inter, who are 11th in the Serie A table, just six points behind the away side.
“Inter, Fiorentina, AC Milan, Genoa and Napoli have the same goals as ours and therefore it will be a close fight until the end,” said the Italian at a pre-match conference.
And to stay ahead of the pack, the Lazio boss wants his side to focus on game by game rather than to look far too ahead.
“They [Inter] have two strikers who move a lot and we should try not to give space and be compact in defense and midfield,” highlighted Pioli regarding his side’s game plan.
The 49-year-old commended his Lazio side for their performances until now but stressed on the importance to continue playing the same way.
“So far we have done better than Inter especially after a difficult start. But we are not even halfway through the season and we have to continue like this.
“Our goal is to spend the holidays in third place and so we want the three points tomorrow.”
The former Juventus player also addressed issues concerned with the upcoming transfer market in January.
“The priority is to get a defender because we have many injuries in that department. However, I trust the work of the board members so we will see what can be done.” he continued.
Pioli was then questioned if he was likely to pick Miroslav Klose for the Inter game.
“I have two great strikers and each week I decide who to play depending on the conditions. Miro is working hard and could start from the beginning against Inter.”
The Biancocelesti, who are currently fourth in the Serie A table on 26 points, could overtake the Partenopei into third place in the league table with a win on Sunday.
