Giampaolo ready for Lazio: “We have to play at the height of our ability”

After Sampdoria’s midweek victory in the Coppa Italia, it’s time again for Serie A as Lazio make the trip to the Stadio Luigi Ferraris to face the Blucerchiati.

Marco Giampaolo is expecting a true test following the four-goal haul against Pescara but is viewing the contest as the perfect chance to bounce back after the Bologna defeat.

“Lazio are excellent physically and technically and they have the right ideas in defence and attack,” said Samp’s head coach in his pre-match new conference yesterday. “It will be a difficult game and we have to put 100% of our ability into it.”

Lazio are on a four-match winless run since the 5-1 thrashing of Benevento on 29 October. Nevertheless, Giampaolo is well aware of their quality and has them down as one of the contenders for the Scudetto.

“I’ve watched their recent performances and I can tell you they’re even better than I thought,” he continued. “To overcome this kind of opponent, we have to be on top form in terms of our concentration.”

Lazio had some complaints on the use of VAR in their draw with Fiorentina, but Giampaolo reiterated his support of the new technology introduced this season.

“In football terms, VAR is the discovery of the century. There are definitely a lot less mistakes than just the human eye. It makes the league fairer and allows the officials to work in a calmer environment. It makes the final call.”

The Blucerchiati coach has a few doubts about his line-up, to go alongside the players ruled out through injury.

“[Karol] Linetty and [Ivan] Strinic haven’t recovered,” Giampaolo concluded, “although I expect the Croatian for the away game against Cagliari. We have another training session tomorrow and I’ll make my final choices only afterwards.”