Marco Baroni Explains Why Lazio Struggled vs Bodo/Glimt: “The Second Leg Will Be Different”

The Laziali

·10 April 2025

Marco Baroni Explains Why Lazio Struggled vs Bodo/Glimt: “The Second Leg Will Be Different”

A sluggish performance from Lazio leaves them trailing by two goals after the first leg against Bodo/Glimt, but Marco Baroni believes his team can still turn it around.

Agonizing Defeat in Norway

Midfielder Ulrik Saltnes was the unlikely author of a second-half brace, which allowed the Norwegians to register a 2-0 win over the Biancocelesti in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final. Bodo/Glimt could have added more goals against the complacent Aquile, but Christos Mandas pulled off several saves to prevent a bigger beatdown.

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Marco Baroni Blames Synthetic Pitch for Lazio Defeat

Kjetil Knutsen’s men are now the favourites to reach the semi-final, but Baroni is refusing to raise the white flag. In his post-match interview with Sky Sport Italia (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), the Italian manager revealed how his men struggled to cope with the unusually fast pace imposed by the synthetic pitch.

They were able to rely on the quick exchanges as the ball moves very fast on the synthetic pitch. I know this very well, I played an entire season on it and I know that this is an advantage. I am certain that qualification is still open and that the second leg will be different. I am convinced of this, and so are the lads. They are a brilliant team and they’re still fresh [The new season in Norway has recently started] but I am convinced that at the Olimpico, certain values will balance out and we have a great chance of reaching the next stage. We will play our chances with great conviction.

Marco Baroni Notes What Lazio Must Improve

Baroni notes that Lazio must be more relentless in their defending, and will have to swiftly recover their energy levels ahead of Sunday’s Derby against Roma and Thursday’s decisive second leg against Bodo/Glimt.

In my opinion we need to be closer when defending because they are very good. So in the last 25-30 meters, we need to apply more man-to-man pressure. Now we need to find our energy again. We’ll resume training on Friday with a light session, then another session on Saturday and prepare well for the Derby. We’ll be ready with all our strength and desire, also with the strength of our supporters. Our fans don’t need alibis.