Lazio beat Hellas Verona at home and fuels the European race. At the Olympic Stadium in Rome, Igor Tudor’s boys prevailed over the Venetian club thanks to a goal from former player Mattia Zaccagni in the 72nd minute. At the end of the match, the coach of the Biancoceleste club spoke at the press conference to comment on the 90 minutes that had just ended . Below are his words:
-Today perhaps one of the best matches of your management, how many Champions League chances are there? Opinion on Kamada?
“We have talked about Kamada many times, he is an important and complete player. The victory was beautiful, this was the most difficult race of all and, therefore, the most beautiful. It came after many close games in which we had spent a lot. We prepared it as a final, Verona is a very difficult team to beat. The boys were good. We got off to a good start. They started with four but then they started with five, it was difficult there. Then in the second half we grew. Champions? We don’t have to do calculations and think race by race. The sums are drawn in the end.”
-I often recover the ball high, is the intensity improving? How much did it give you a hand that defenders often match closed early?
“They played a careful game behind them. Intensity is important, every workout increases. Then obviously the race is decided by the quality of those ahead.”
-Can you explain the changes? Kamada and Castellanos two starters?
“We put two attackers, Anderson and Zaccagni, in the fifth to push more. They are two guys who can play that role in some moments of the game. After the goal we put Hysaj on to have more balance. In midfield I liked the two midfielders. Race done in the best possible way. For me everyone is a potential starter. They earn their place based on how they play and train.”
-Conceded only two goals in the last five championships, are you satisfied? Third victory won in this way, is this an important test in terms of mentality?
“When you’re at 0-0 you have to stay on top of things and believe in it. These matches make me feel proud of the boys. When you score these goals it means you want to do well and not make any mistakes. There is great application. Defense is also done with heart and head, not just with tactics.”
-Lazio creates more, what key did he touch?
“I just got to work. We want to create with many players. Sometimes we do more, sometimes less but the desire is always there. Quality players always decide. In the last twenty meters you need quality, otherwise you won’t score.”
-How did you see Verona?
“He will have no problem saving himself. They prepared the match very well, with intensity and quality. I wish Verona to survive because I spent a wonderful season there.”
-How is the Immobile-Castellanos relay managing?
“There’s nothing to explain. The guys are great professionals. Immobile also had a knee problem that kept him out. Against Juventus Castellanos scored two goals, today it was right for him to play. There are a few games left, everyone will play.”
-Comment on Isaksen?
“Today he played in his role, he was a high forward. He did some good things, he even had a chance to score. He is still young, he can grow”.
