Stefano Pioli concedes victory over Empoli is “fundamental” for Lazio and explains why Serie A is tougher than the Europa League.
It kicks off on Sunday at 17.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“This game is fundamental because we are without a Serie A win in a month,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
“We need a solid performance against an opponent that is not easy to overcome. We want to take the initiative and win.
Stefano Pioli concedes victory over Empoli is “fundamental” for Lazio and explains why Serie A is tougher than the Europa League.
It kicks off on Sunday at 17.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“This game is fundamental because we are without a Serie A win in a month,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
“We need a solid performance against an opponent that is not easy to overcome. We want to take the initiative and win.
“Balance is always important, but above all we have to make the most of the chances we create, not letting out opponents score at every opportunity.
“As for our away form, I think it’s a psychological problem more than a tactical one. Consistently negative results takes away self-confidence and the ability to react to hurdles.”
Lazio have one point from the last four Serie A games, yet have won four Europa League fixtures in a row.
“Europe is different to Serie A because Italian Coaches work far more on tactical adjustments to suit specific opponents,” argued Pioli.
“Going forward the club knows we need a defender in January. I still believe we can be competitive on three fronts.”
It was revealed today that Lazio, Juventus and Italy legend Dino Zoff has been in hospital for three weeks with an unspecified neurological condition that is making it difficult for him to walk.
Messages have been flooding in from all corners of Italian football, including Pioli.
“I knew him when I played for Juve. I was a youngster and spent a lot of time with him and the Scirea family, who took me under their wing. I send him a big hug.”
Felipe Anderson is back in the squad after missing the 3-1 victory over Dnipro with neck pain, but Santiago Gentiletti is suspended.
The injury list still includes Stefano Mauri, Eddy Onazi and Stefan de Vrij.
Lazio squad for Empoli: Marchetti, Berisha, Guerrieri; Basta, Braafheid, Hoedt, Konko, Mauricio, Prce, Radu; Biglia, Candreva, Cataldi, Felipe Anderson, Lulic, Milinkovic-Savic, Parolo; Djordjevic, Keita, Kishna, Klose, Matri