Stefano Pioli insists Lazio were “the only team playing” in today’s 1-0 home defeat to Napoli.
Gonzalo Higuain got the decisive goal at the Stadio Olimpico, which allows the Partenopei to leapfrog them into third place.
“We worked very hard and basically were the only team playing,” Pioli told Sky Sport Italia.
“Napoli made the most of one chance in the first half and from then on they were able to sit back and wait for a counter-attack.
Stefano Pioli insists Lazio were “the only team playing” in today’s 1-0 home defeat to Napoli.
Gonzalo Higuain got the decisive goal at the Stadio Olimpico, which allows the Partenopei to leapfrog them into third place.
“We worked very hard and basically were the only team playing,” Pioli told Sky Sport Italia.
“Napoli made the most of one chance in the first half and from then on they were able to sit back and wait for a counter-attack.
“We created several chances and it’s a shame, because even with so many players missing we didn’t deserve to lose today.
“So far we have received compliments for our performances, but today the only thing missing was the result.
“In terms of technique it wasn’t our best match, as we need to be more precise in our passing.”
Filip Djordjevic again failed to find the net, but Pioli defended the centre-forward.
“The work he’s doing is fantastic, as he opened up spaces and had shots on goal. We played the entire game in Napoli’s half, but they clammed up well.”
The Coach remains confident that Lazio can still challenge for Champions League qualification.
“We are a competitive side and I expect a reaction. We wanted to confirm ourselves in third place and deserved to do so, but we knew it’d be tough to the very end.
“It’s not just Napoli, as there are many contenders for this spot. We want Europe.”