In the hours leading up to the match Lazio against the Veronathe Biancoceleste defender Nicolò spoke to the microphones of Lazio Style Channel Farmhouse to present the delicate challenge against his former team. Below are his words published in the match program.
Regret or pride: what did the victory against Juventus leave behind?
“Both. There is certainly regret for the result of the first leg but also pride for having recovered from a difficult match, equalizing the goals scored in Turin, before conceding, even fortunately, the 2-1. We still gave a great response, which was the most important thing at this moment. The applause from the fans at the end of the match, despite the elimination, rewarded our attitude.”
The fate of a place in Europe is in the hands of Lazio, how should the remaining matches be approached?
«For us there are five finals, they must be faced as we did on Tuesday against Juventus. After a complicated season, full of ups and downs, we are lucky enough to be able to sort out the rankings. Obviously it won’t depend only on us but we will still try to finish the season in the best possible way.”
You know Verona very well, a team that never gives up…
«I remained attached to Verona, I watch their matches every time I can. In January they changed a lot but they are a solid and physically strong team, as demonstrated by the many duels won. For this reason we will need to be even more compact and incisive to win the match.”
Were Tudor and especially your son Leonardo a new beginning to restart after some difficulties encountered this season?
«I have experienced difficult moments which are part of a footballer’s career, you always have to be able to acquire the positive aspects to grow. The birth of my son and the arrival of the coach gave me an extra boost: Tudor understood the period I went through and he was close to me. I’m doing my best to get back to last year’s levels.”
A season ago you, Romagnoli and Patric, now there has been the growth of Gila. Can yours be defined as one of the most complete defensive quartets?
«We did well in many matches. I have never had any doubts about Mario, he is one of the most complete players in the team and he is proving it. Obviously the 21 clean sheets last championship also came thanks to everyone’s work, we are good defenders but we can do even better.”
