Baroni ‘eager to see strong response’ from Lazio against Nice

Lazio coach Marco Baroni explains his squad rotation against OGC Nice in the Europa League and is ‘eager to see a strong response’ from his players.

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 17.45 UK time (16.45 GMT).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game, Elfsborg-Roma and Fiorentina-The New Saints on the Liveblog.

The coach engaged in squad rotation to keep his side fresh following the 3-2 win over Torino in Serie A at the weekend, but insists this is far from a second-string line-up.

“We have Vecino, Marusic and Pellegrini on the field, all important players for Lazio. We can introduce a few young players, but the team must maintain its identity and structure,” Baroni told Sky Sport Italia.

“This is a big test against a strong opponent, so I too am eager to see a strong response from those players. We also chose those who have recovered best and have more energy, because we will need to push hard today.”

Baroni revamps Lazio for Nice test

They had the perfect start to the Europa League with a 3-0 victory over Dynamo Kyiv, although Tijjani Noslin was sent off and is therefore suspended today.

Among the changes is Christos Mandas coming in as goalkeeper for Ivan Provedel, a rare start for the Greek shot-stopper.

“He too is working hard in training, our first choice is Ivan, but at this moment I need to use everyone and it’s only right he gets a chance.”

Lazio have been very attack-minded so far this season, but Baroni is trying to get them to be more solid defensively as they adapt to his tactics.

“We certainly need to improve there and the team is increasingly finding its shape and balance. We have to be aggressive, work when out of possession, and the team is increasingly metabolising those concepts.”