Baroni: ‘Lazio play like there’s no tomorrow, Casadei has potential’ | OneFootball

Marco Baroni insists Lazio must play against Real Sociedad ‘as if there’s no tomorrow’ in the Europa League and hints at the negotiations for Chelsea midfielder Cesare Casadei.

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday at 20.00 GMT.

The Biancocelesti are still top of the Europa League table after five victories and a draw and can break away tomorrow because Athletic Club, who are also on 16 points, lost 4-1 to Besiktas this evening.

“These are marvellous games against a strong opponent that has a lot of character,” said Baroni in his press conference.

“It is no coincidence that Real Sociedad have the second best defensive record in Europe’s top five leagues, this tells us how difficult it is going to be. We must face it as if there is no tomorrow. We always play to win, that is our DNA, and we need a great Lazio to achieve that.”

Baroni has to reshuffle Lazio pack

LECCE, ITALY – DECEMBER 22: Adam Marusic of SS Lazio vcelebratres a second goal during the Serie match between Lecce and Lazio at Stadio Via del Mare on December 22, 2024 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Between injuries and bans, Lazio are decimated going into this big match.

Samuel Gigot and Luca Pellegrini are suspended, with Manuel Lazzari, Patric and Matias Vecino injured, plus Elseid Hysaj, Toma Basic, Gaetano Castrovilli and new signing Arjon Ibrahimovic are not eligible for the Europa League.

“We are a bit short at the back, but I have the utmost faith in my squad,” assured Baroni.

“This is an important step, as it could guarantee us passage into the Round of 16. I want to remind everyone that this season is the start of a renewal process, so the team has to be young and with prospects.

“The Europa League is an extraordinary tournament and we want to be protagonists in every competition. It is an opportunity and we want to leave nothing to chance.”

Nuno Tavares had a remarkable start to life at Lazio, but has slightly lost his intensity recently after injury problems.

“Nuno is fine, he is recovering well and just has to keep that joy of playing. We have faith in the lad, he has a great chance with us and we are here to support him. Pedro and Tijjani Noslin have also recovered and can give us an important contribution starting from tomorrow.”

Lazio are known to be in a bidding war with Torino for Chelsea midfielder Cesare Casadei, so would he be a suitable January reinforcement for Baroni’s squad?

“I am not going to name names right now. Clearly, I already explained to the director what our aims are, we need to bring in energy and fresh enthusiasm. When talking about players with potential, naturally this is who Lazio needs to look for.

“My focus anyway is on the players I have at my disposal.”