Marco Baroni, coach of Lazio (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Marco Baroni wants Lazio to “demonstrate that they are a mature team, ready to play at the highest level” in tonight’s direct clash with Juventus.
It kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin at 19.45pm UK time (18.45pm GMT).
You can follow all the preparation and action of this match and Milan-Udinese on the Liveblog.
These two teams enter the weekend level on 13 points each in Serie A, and have won both European matches, while Lazio top the Europa League table on goal difference.
Baroni ambitious for Juventus-Lazio
Marco Baroni Lazio (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
“We need balance and to demonstrate that we are a mature team and ready to play this match at the highest level, so we need determination and hunger,” Baroni told DAZN.
“These are the components that have helped us stand out so far this season. The team has worked hard from the beginning, which has allowed us to accelerate the process of some changes.”
Matteo Guendouzi returned from international duty with France suffering from a knock, but is deemed fit to start, so Manuel Lazzari is the only one absent.
“Guendouzi is an important player, he wanted to be here for the match and he deserves to play.”
Considering Lazio’s good results in both Serie A and the Europa League, Baroni was asked what their ambitions are for this season.
“We try not to lose our identity. It’s clear that tonight we face a strong opponent with a good coach, but we’ll talk on the pitch.
“What we can’t go wrong about is the attitude, the quality and the spirit of sacrifice.”
This is a remarkable start to the season, considering that fans had protested against the appointment of former Verona manager Baroni, believing it to be a step backwards compared to Maurizio Sarri and Igor Tudor.
