Lazio coach Stefano Pioli has turned his attention towards the Champions League play-offs after losing 2-0 to Juventus in the Supercoppa Italiana in Shanghai.
The Biancocelesti host Bayer Leverkusen on August 18, but now go into the first-leg having lost five successive games in their build-up to the 2015-16 season.
“I was certain the first side to score would get the victory,” the 49-year-old tactician told Rai Sport after the match.
“I was not worried by pre-season friendlies, but today I saw my Lazio again with the right spirit and determination. I am confident for the future.”
Pioli also defended his decision to introduce summer arrivals Ricardo Kishna and Ravel Morrison late on in the loss at the Shanghai Stadium.
“The new players have good quality, but they just arrived a few days ago, so we had to rush things,” he continued.
“It was an important objective, we were unable to make the most of it, but have to be at our best condition possible for the Champions League play-off in 10 days.
“Bayer Leverkusen will be a tough rival because they are aggressive and have great physicality, but I am confident we can have our say.”
