Lazio coach Stefano Pioli says that his side have lots of respect for Sassuolo ahead of the Biancocelesti’s trip to face the Neroverdi.
The 49-year-old also said that his job is to pick a team that can compete on two fronts in Serie A and the Coppa Italia as European qualification remains a key objective for the capital side.
“We want to keep on growing,” said Pioli in his pre-match press conference.
“Sassuolo are playing well and they have a good coach.”
“Out of the big teams, only Fiorentina and Napoli have been able to beat them.
“We are ready to take to the pitch against a side that knows how to get the ball forward.
“We have lots of respect for Eusebio Di Francesco’s side.”
Pioli was then asked if the side has put their defeat to Cesena behind them.
“Yes, the team has grown and understood how to take on different types of opposition,” he started.
“We want to put in a great performance.”
The Lazio boss also spoke about the upcoming Coppa Italia semi-final against Napoli and insisted that it will not be a distraction.
“My job here is to pick a team that is always competitive,” he said.
“Our objective is European qualification and we can still achieve that from one of two paths, we want to stay competitive on both fronts.
“However, tomorrow we want to put out the strongest team possible, there is still time ahead of the Napoli game.”
Pioli also said that Antonio Candreva will be fit and available to play against Sassuolo.
“He [Candreva] is doing well, during the week he has been working off the ball to avoid putting more pressure on his knee but he will be available.”
