Simone Inzaghi concedes their Europa League exit was a “huge disappointment” and need to learn from that as they face Roma in the derby.
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.
The two city rivals are locked together in joint third place, but while the Giallorossi beat Barcelona to reach the Champions League semi-final, the Aquile fumbled a 5-2 aggregate lead to crash out of the Europa League at RB Salzburg.
Simone Inzaghi concedes their Europa League exit was a “huge disappointment” and need to learn from that as they face Roma in the derby.
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.
The two city rivals are locked together in joint third place, but while the Giallorossi beat Barcelona to reach the Champions League semi-final, the Aquile fumbled a 5-2 aggregate lead to crash out of the Europa League at RB Salzburg.
“It’s a very important game that is worth a great deal for the table and comes two days after a huge disappointment,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
“Naturally, Thursday was a very heavy blow. We had the game in hand, were risking nothing, and Ciro Immobile’s goal made us lose that sharpness and concentration. If you do that at this level, you lose.
“What really lets me down is that the team had never lost focus before, but it happened in Salzburg. I am convinced this sort of let-down can help us to grow and we can start proving that from tomorrow.
“Lazio have never lacked heart. I complimented my team on their journey up until now and let’s not forget we are the only side to have already won a trophy (after August 2017’s Italian Super Cup victory over Juventus). Nobody would’ve said that last year.
“In football you have to look forward, not behind you. We are ready whether Roma start with 4-3-3 or the 3-4-2-1 they had on Wednesday with Barcelona.
“The derby is the best game for a player, because he can hear the chants and the energy from the stands. Adam Marusic is fine, while Senad Lulic, Jordan Lukaku and Dusan Basta must be evaluated.
“Eusebio Di Francesco was right, there are no favourites in the derby. Roma are coming off a Champions League qualification, where we lost. I am convinced we must work had to bring luck on our side.
“I know how it works in Rome, we begin a tournament of seven rounds now and must get the best out of every one.”