Yahoo Sports Marco Baroni Expects Thrilling Clash Against Ajax, Sends Message To Absent Lazio Fans
Ahead of Thursday’s big Europa League showdown in Amsterdam, Lazio coach Marco Baroni envisions an exciting contest against Ajax.
Baroni Hails Ajax
The Biancocelesti will be looking to extend their positive European run and regain their top spot after being overtaken by Athletic Bilbao who won their early fixture against Fenerbahce. In his pre-match press conference (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Baroni lauded his hosts for their elusive history and deeply rooted attacking style of play, which should set up an entertaining contest.
We are playing against a team that has made the history of football, it also created it with competence. We are talking about a school of football. These are the games that we want to play, that then give us that growth both individually and collectively. We know that it is a very difficult game, but the beauty lies precisely in this aspect.
It will be an open match because we have two teams that play good football, and willing to open up the play. I think we’ll see a great show on the pitch.
The Injury Front
The 61-year-old also provided updates on Ivan Provedel and Lazio’s injured duo Matias Vecino and Alessio Romagnoli.
Provedel is with us even though he had a flu attack. Even in Naples he went on the pitch with some symptoms. We hope to recover Romagnoli and Vecino against Inter, but now we are thinking about those we have at our disposal for Ajax.
Marco Baroni Promises to Carry the Lazio Supporters
The Biancocelesti supporters are prevented from traveling to Amsterdam due to a controversial ban issued by the Amsterdam authorities due to fears of street skirmishes. Nevertheless, Baroni insists his players will carry the fans with them when taking the pitch.
There are two ways to perceive it. It is clear that we will miss their voice, but then there is also that feeling that we have inside us. They will be in our hearts, so it will be even more of an emotional spring to do well.
Tijjani Noslin’s Rise
Finally, Baroni heaped praise on Tijjani Noslin who rose to prominence during their time together at Hellas Verona before reuniting at Lazio. However, he hints the Dutchman could start on the bench tomorrow.
He had a devastating impact when he arrived in Verona. So we decided to give him the chance in Rome. He has quality, he is a Lazio player after all. I have no doubt that he will continue on this path, because he has incredible professionalism, he just has to think about working and going on the pitch.
We will go on the pitch with 16 men, whoever doesn’t start will comes on later. If he is not a starter, he will enter during the match, I will also make assessments on the fact that Taty [Castellanos] is suspended in Serie A.
