Baroni: Lazio have ‘issues to manage’ after seven games in 21 days

Marco Baroni is aware that Lazio will have to be at their best if they are to beat Porto in the Europa League on Thursday evening, but isn’t best pleased about the fixture schedule as the Biancocelesti are due to play the sixth game of their run of seven matches in 21 days.

Lazio will host Porto at the Stadio Olimpico in the third round of Europa League fixtures on Thursday evening, kicking off at 20.00 GMT. 

Baroni’s side are enjoying a strong run of form as they have won eight of their last nine matches in all competitions and are currently leading the Europa League standings with a maximum of nine points after three games.

Tottenham and Anderlecht are the only other sides in the competition with a perfect record still in-tact.

Baroni expects Lazio changes after busy fixture schedule 

Baroni explained to journalists at his pre-match press conference that he might have to make a few rotations to his side for the visit from Porto.

“We will try to field a team that is doing okay in terms of energy after the last few matches,” he said.

“Aside from this logic, we will play an important, difficult, but beautiful game. We’ll play against a team of a great, international level, it’s a real test for us and we have to put in a top level performance.

“We are aware that we need to experience games like these against big opponents. These are the games that help you grow. We are aware that we’ll need a top-level performances and won’t be able to make any mistakes on the pitch at this sort of level.”

Baroni wasn’t able to provide much of an answer when asked about the differences between Porto under their current coach Vitor Bruno and his predecessor Sergio Conceicao.

“We have such little time to prepare for the games, we’ve only had two days to analyse this team. They use their wingers well, they pass short, but know how to go vertically as well. They push a lot with their full-backs, like we do. It will certainly be an interesting game, very open.”

Baroni was also asked if he plans to hand another opportunity to Christos Mandas in goal, or whether the first-choice Ivan Provedel will get a run-out in Europe.

“I’ve already shared my thoughts on the goalkeepers. Ivan is our starter, but I like to give everyone a chance when the conditions are right. Everyone should be allowed to grow, and there’s not a lot of space to do so in that position. It would not be a change in hierarchy, but an opportunity for Mandas to grow if he does play.”

Baroni also criticised the fact that Lazio have had to play seven matches across a seven day period between October 19 and this Sunday, November 10.

“I have to make some evaluations on the line-up. We have a couple of issues having had so many games in such a short time. The next two games will make it seven games in 21 days. My resources, as well as those of the coaching and medical staff have to be aimed at managing these issues.”