Stefano Pioli praised Lazio’s “character” to earn a difficult point away to “very physical” Atalanta.
Marco Parolo’s acrobatic volley wiped out a Giuseppe Biava header from a corner for the 1-1 draw in Bergamo.
“Without doubt we started out trying to win the game and had a great chance right away with Keita,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
Stefano Pioli praised Lazio’s “character” to earn a difficult point away to “very physical” Atalanta.
Marco Parolo’s acrobatic volley wiped out a Giuseppe Biava header from a corner for the 1-1 draw in Bergamo.
“Without doubt we started out trying to win the game and had a great chance right away with Keita,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“Atalanta are a very physical side and we didn’t move enough off the ball to create spaces. Felipe Anderson was one of those who was too static in the first half and the Atalanta pressing made it difficult for us.
“Our opponents were always first to the ball and that makes a difference. They were very determined, but we showed character too and targeted the maximum points.
“It was a great performance in terms of character and a point that shows our maturity, as we were not in good shape physically today and still fought to the end for victory.”
There are only four rounds to go, Lazio fall one point behind Roma and the Derby della Capitale is on the horizon.
“It’s normal that a head-to-head will be decisive for the final table, but we have another game before the derby with Inter and must try to win that too. Nobody expected us to be here at this stage, so we'll take it one game at a time.
“I got very positive signals from this performance, as even without being at 100 per cent we still got a precious point and are still up there.
“It was clear we weren’t sharp today, but we still had very clear scoring opportunities and ran a few too many risks, as we struggled to break clear.
“We had difficulties because Atalanta attacked us in a very aggressive way and we didn’t move enough.”