As Lazio prepare to travel face Steaua Bucharest, Football Italia caught up with a Romanian football expert to get the lowdown on their opponents.
The Biancocelesti topped their group ahead of Nice, and will be in the Romanian capital tomorrow for what is sure to be a fiery encounter.
We spoke to Emanuel Roşu [@emishor] about what Simone Inzaghi’s side can expect tomorrow.
As Lazio prepare to travel face Steaua Bucharest, Football Italia caught up with a Romanian football expert to get the lowdown on their opponents.
The Biancocelesti topped their group ahead of Nice, and will be in the Romanian capital tomorrow for what is sure to be a fiery encounter.
We spoke to Emanuel Roşu [@emishor] about what Simone Inzaghi’s side can expect tomorrow.
How do Steaua Bucharest play?
"They are very inconsistent, they change a lot. They are not a bad team though, some very talented players there, especially in attacking positions.
"They will start with a 4-2-3-1 and will hope Denis Alibec or Harlem Gnohere can hold it up. Alibec will probably start, and Gnohere will come on for the second half.
“They try to play offensive, electric football. It has worked on some occasions during the season, but not as often as they’d hope.
“I hope they won't be scared of Lazio's name and won't put the team behind the ball because that's not in their DNA.”
Who are the danger men Lazio need to keep an eye on?
“Constantin Budescu, Cristian Tanase and Alibec (if he's on form). Budescu is a player capable of magic if he's having a good day while Tanase is regarded by the club as the next important transfer abroad.”
What has been the reaction in Romania to playing Lazio? Do Steaua feel like they have a chance to go through?
“It's a big game over here. The game on Thursday ends more than two months of anticipation. Steaua haven’t been in the eliminatory rounds of the Europa League for a while so they know this game can really make a difference for the club in their quest to get back some European glory.
“Lazio are respected and feared, definitely regarded as the favourites in this one.”
What kind of atmosphere awaits Lazio?
“There’s a crowd of 40 000 expected. It won't be super hot but the fans will get behind the team and try to be one of the players.
“FCSB has lost part of its ultras groups after the scandal with the army so it won't be a pyro show, that's for sure.”