There are two different styles that are clearly shown in the run-up to the second Europa League quarter-final match between Lazio and Bodø/Glimt. While Bodø/Glimt show pictures of city walks in beautiful Rome on social media, Lazio highlights the match where they are real Roman soldiers on their way to gladiatorial fighting.
I have to say, I think it’s wonderful that “we” stop, enjoy life and smell the flowers. Bodø/Glimt comes with a 2 – 0 lead from the first quarter-final at Aspmyra on April 10. Although we have an advantage tonight, what is going to happen at the Stadio Olimpico at 2100 tonight is something completely different. While the Stadio Olimpico has a capacity of 70,634 spectators, the corresponding figure for Aspmyra is 8270.
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A small note, of course Norway’s best club will have a larger and more modern stadium.
Ahead of tonight’s match, SportItalia has used a lot of words about how Bodø/Glimt will be beaten by more than two goals.
Lazio tonight: Bodo Glimt face an offensive team
Lazio will make history: Tonight, Marco Baroni’s team will take to the pitch in the second leg of the Europa League quarter-finals. To secure a place in the semi-finals, they must turn around a 2-0 loss from the first leg against Bodø/Glimt.
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Baroni has already hinted at the starting line-up in the press conference: 4-3-3 with Mandas on goal, defence with Lazzari, Gila, Romagnoli and Marušić. Rovella plays defensive midfield with Guendouzi, while Isaksen, Dia and Zaccagni support striker Taty Castellanos.
Probable line-up for Lazio:
LAZIO (4-2-3-1): Mandas; Lazzari, Gila, Romagnoli, Marušić; Guendouzi, Rovella; Isaksen, Dia, Zaccagni; Castellanos.
Baroni: “This is the most important game of the year”
Lazio have never turned around a two-goal deficit in Europe. Does it provide extra motivation?
“Tonight we play our 46th game of the season. I have a lot of faith in my team. We have worked hard all year, and this is an important match. We have to play without fear. We have to give it our all – without sparing our strength or regretting our efforts.”
Is this the most important game of the season?
“It’s the most important game of the year, we know that, we have to play without fear and without thinking about what happens afterwards. The result in the first game was not what we wanted, but now we play at home for our fans.”
Can Dia and Taty play together?
“It’s a possibility. Taty starts because he is an important player. They have movement in the attacking zone, and we have to be good at creating spaces with good interaction.”
What did you say to the team?
“This requires enormous will. We face a strong opponent in good form. It will be a game that requires energy – both on and off the pitch. Everyone has to believe in this.”
Tactical priorities
What is Tavares like? What do you expect from your full-backs?
“He’s doing well and training today. We are assessing his condition. My full-backs have to press high up. Tonight we need extra energy, especially on the edges.”
How is the team mentally?
“Physical energy we can control, mental energy is more difficult. After the derby loss, the team was disappointed, but we took a break to come back stronger.”
Do you need “madness” or relaxation?
“I don’t want a relaxed team, but a focused one. Think about the strategic plan, not the end result. The result comes from the performance – and a little luck is also part of it.”
What is the form of the attackers?
“Tchaouna, Noslin and Dele-Bashiru are young talents who are also part of the future. Zaccagni is back and feels ready for 80 minutes.”
Determining factors
Can you practice becoming more “vicious” in front of goal?
“I don’t put the responsibility on a single group. Everyone must contribute to goals. Confidence comes when the ball goes in and we have to create chances.”
Do you expect the same Bodø/Glimt as in the first leg?
“They’re going to play a strong game. They have energy and routine. But we must face them with our own strength.”
Was the artificial turf the main reason for the loss? Should it be allowed in the Europa League?
“I don’t put the blame on the pitch alone – that would be an excuse. I don’t decide what kind of surface is used, but it gives an advantage to teams that are used to it.”
What do you think of Bodø’s coach?
“He’s skilled. They play good football with a strong identity and good technical players.”
Do you have to have patience for a late remont?
“We have to read the game and take advantage of the moments. A team that knows how important this is also needs to know when it’s time to attack.”
What will be the most important mental factor?
“We have to give it our all – without skimping on ourselves or regretting our efforts.”
The match will be decided at the Olimpico
Lazio have a tough task, but with the full support of the fans and an attacking line-up, history can be written. Will it be a remonté or the end of the Europa League dream?
Kick-off at 21:00! ⚽🔥
