Stefano Pioli counts Lazio “among the top teams this season,” but maintains Fiorentina can have their say if limiting Ciro Immobile.
It kicks off on Sunday at 17.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
It’s a reunion for the Coach, who was on the Lazio bench from 2014 to 2016, before he was fired to make way for Simone Inzaghi.
Stefano Pioli counts Lazio “among the top teams this season,” but maintains Fiorentina can have their say if limiting Ciro Immobile.
It kicks off on Sunday at 17.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
It’s a reunion for the Coach, who was on the Lazio bench from 2014 to 2016, before he was fired to make way for Simone Inzaghi.
“The Biancocelesti have to be considered among the top teams this season, as they’ve lost only two out of 18 games, including Europe,” noted the Coach in his Press conference.
“We will be facing a strong and highly-motivated opponent, especially after they lost the Rome Derby. We have to approach this match with the right character and determination.”
Lazio rely heavily on the goals of star striker Immobile, who has scored 15 Serie A goals this term.
“We always talk about changing a few things in our defensive movements, based on the characteristics of the opposition. Immobile is a striker who is very good at running into space, so we must cover those positions and limit his supply from midfield. It means being compact and organised when faced with Lazio’s physicality, above all on set plays.
“Fiorentina have always fought it out and played our game, even when they ended in defeat, as the details make the difference at this level. We can have our say even against the strongest opposition and that includes Lazio.”
Cyril Thereau has shaken off a knock and should start with Federico Chiesa and Giovanni Simeone.
“Riccardo Saponara isn’t ready to start yet. He is improving, but not yet at the levels he needs to start.”
Fiorentina squad for Lazio: Sportiello, Dragowski, Cerofolini; Astori, Biraghi, Gaspar, Laurini, Milenkovic, Olivera, Pezzella, Vitor Hugo; Badelj, Benassi, Cristoforo, Dias, Eysseric, Sanchez, Saponara, Veretout, Chiesa; Babacar, Lo Faso, Simeone, Thereau, Zekhnini