Fabio Liverani looks back on his Lazio past and the Lecce climb from Serie C1 to the top flight. “I never expected us to make that run.”

It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.

“Lazio was my home for five years, so it’s always wonderful to come back here, seeing so many people again,” the former midfielder told the Corriere dello Sport.

Fabio Liverani looks back on his Lazio past and the Lecce climb from Serie C1 to the top flight. “I never expected us to make that run.”

It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.

“Lazio was my home for five years, so it’s always wonderful to come back here, seeing so many people again,” the former midfielder told the Corriere dello Sport.

“I worked my way to the captain’s armband, which was my greatest victory. We were able to qualify for Europe under Delio Rossi, but Paolo Di Canio’s comeback with a goal under the Curva Sud is unforgettable.

“I learned a lot from teammates like Angelo Peruzzi, and I had a lot of arguments with Roberto Mancini, even if we managed to unite and win the Coppa Italia.”

That was the highlight of Liverani’s playing career, but as a coach he has taken Lecce to promotion from Serie B.

“I arrived at Lecce after a difficult period and never expected us to make that run to the top, from Serie C to the Stadio Olimpico. It makes us so proud to have brought Serie A football back to Lecce.

“Our next target is to achieve 40 points so we can secure our safety.”

Lazio have loftier ambitions, as they are currently in joint fourth place with Atalanta and Cagliari.

“We are up against a strong team that can quite happily qualify for the Champions League,” continued Liverani.

“Ciro Immobile is formidable, generous and never stops running. I see myself in Luis Alberto, as he can see the moves before they happen.

“I am glad that Lazio don’t have to fear anyone. Their individuals can make the difference and we need to raise the intensity level to cause them problems.”

Diego Farias and Andrea Tabanelli are out injured, but Panagiotis Tachtsidis is available again after sitting out a one-match ban.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Tickets Kit Collector