Marco Baroni’s Reaction to the Draw with Napoli
Lazio coach Marco Baroni expressed a mix of satisfaction and frustration after his team’s 2-2 draw with league leaders Napoli. While he lauded the high intensity and passion displayed by his players, he couldn’t help but point out the costly mistakes that led to two goals conceded. Gustav Isaksen’s brilliant long-range effort gave Lazio the early lead, much to the delight of the home supporters at Stadio Olimpico. However, Ivan Provedel’s miss-hit pass gifted Napoli an equalizer through Giacomo Raspadori. The second half saw another blunder when Adam Marusic’s awkward touch beat his own goalkeeper, seemingly putting the game out of Lazio’s reach. Yet, the Biancocelesti refused to give up, and Boulaye Dia’s well-timed substitution secured a point with a late equalizer.
High-Level Performance Amidst Mistakes
In his post-match press conference, Baroni highlighted the positive aspects of Lazio’s performance, acknowledging the team’s solid display but lamenting the avoidable mistakes. "Lazio produced a very high level performance, with intensity and passion in our play. We wanted all three points and we certainly conceded two avoidable goals and that’s a shame, but I’m very happy with the team’s display," he remarked. The coach emphasized the importance of maintaining the team’s identity and always striving for victory. "It’s important for the team to always preserve its identity and search for victory. We have some small weaknesses that we need to work on and we will. If we look back at the matches we’ve lost, except for one, we’ve always created many chances. My team must play exciting football. The fans must see the passion in my players."
The Lazio Way: Initiative Over Caution
Despite the setbacks, Baroni reiterated Lazio’s commitment to an attacking and proactive style of play. "We are a team that has a certain way of conducting the game. We don’t have the ability to play wait-and-see games; we have to impose our style, and this requires taking risks. We can’t simply kick the ball forward because we don’t have the physical structure or the right players for this tactic." This philosophy, while sometimes leading to defensive lapses, reflects the coach’s desire to entertain and challenge the top teams in the league. Baroni’s focus is on playing football that resonates with the fans and showcases the team’s technical abilities.
Standing by Ivan Provedel
Despite Ivan Provedel’s recent shaky form, Baroni remains steadfast in his support for the goalkeeper. "I revealed the hierarchy from the very beginning. Provedel is the starting goalkeeper. We have to work and improve. We must evolve because it’s clear that in some games we have to manage these situations better." The coach’s decision to back Provedel, even after costly errors, underscores his belief in the player’s potential and the importance of maintaining team continuity. Baroni’s approach is to address the issues in training and help Provedel regain his form, rather than making impulsive changes to the lineup.
Managing Injuries and Substitutions
Baroni also provided updates on Lazio’s injured players, including Taty Castellanos, who was replaced by Tijjani Noslin in the first half. "Patric should start training with the group during the week. As for Vecino, we’ll evaluate his condition. If necessary, he can take an extra week off to avoid risks." The substitution of Castellanos was a significant blow, but Baroni praised Dia and Pedro for their contributions. "Today Tj did very well. Of course, they have different characteristics, but we too can adapt based on the player’s qualities. Dia and Pedro are extraordinary players, and we have Noslin and Loum Tchaouna, with whom we are working hard in training."
Looking Forward
Despite the draw, Baroni sees the match against Napoli as a valuable learning experience. The team’s ability to fight back and secure a point against one of the league’s top sides is a testament to their resilience and spirit. "We must continue to work on our weaknesses and build on our strengths. The fans should be proud of the effort and passion shown by the team today." The coach is optimistic about the future, committed to refining Lazio’s style of play and addressing the defensive vulnerabilities. As Lazio moves forward, the focus will remain on playing exciting football and maintaining the team’s identity, while also ensuring they minimize costly mistakes in crucial games.
