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Lazio coach discusses his adaptation to the capital and the project he is working on. Read Baroni’s words with us.

Guest on Rai Radio 1, Marco Baroni talked about the performance of the duo Rovella-Guendouzi, who were protagonists in Italy-France yesterday. The coach then reflected on his adaptation to Rome and his football philosophy, which is yielding excellent results in the capital.

Baroni’s Words

On the Lazio players in Italy-France.

“Rovella and Guendouzi had a good game, Rovella also came in very fired up. I am pleased to be able to contribute to the National cause with players who were ready, even though Guendouzi was on the other side. I am happy with their presence.”

Spalletti’s work.

“Credit must be given to the great work that Spalletti is doing. A job not made easy by the fact that two-thirds of the players in our league are foreigners, this is something we always have to keep in mind. Apart from the wrong game against Switzerland this summer, there is a team playing excellent football. Spalletti is doing a great job.”

The first months in Rome.

“I found a structured, highly organized club in Rome, with a top-level sports center and internal expertise. And then I found players with a great work ethic: it was a fundamental starting point, like their availability, application to work, and immediate connection and sharing of our principles, both those of change and those we wanted to maintain.”

On Rovella.

“My midfielders have the freedom to attack and he is trying. He is very mobile, has space and field coverage, and is working on it. I am sure his goals will come soon. In terms of characteristics, Vecino has more penetrating abilities. Having the ability to bring many men into the box is a fundamental factor in trying to be prolific. I am very happy with what Rovella is doing, as well as Dele-Bashiru, he is young but growing. We are also waiting for Castrovilli, I am convinced he can contribute a lot to the Lazio cause.”

The youth project.

“We need to break this legacy on young age: if we look at European football, we find 2006 and 2007, very young players on the field. You have to create a path for the young player: this year we saw players who made recent history for Lazio leave. There has been a generational turnover, we have focused on talented young players. My task is to give them confidence, and they find confidence when the coach puts them on the field. Maybe they don’t have the mental knowledge and pressure, but we have to give it to them. They must be quick, because time does not exist in football. With the confidence of teammates and the club, these boys can experience exponential growth.”

The whistles during the French anthem.

“Whistles and howls should not exist in a stadium. We need to grow in all respects, especially in sports education.”

Latest on the players

On Zaccagni and Pedro.

“Zaccagni is doing very well, I am very happy. He is a true winger. Besides wearing the captain’s armband, he is embodying this role very well. He has embraced the Lazio cause also contractually: I chose to give him the armband because he could bring this representativeness. But in the locker room, there are many captains, I am fortunate to coach important players in terms of professionalism and passion. There are no more adjectives for Pedro. I am enjoying his great human qualities, as a great professional. For me, it is a great message he gives to our young players, especially when you see him training like a kid, doing everything with great dedication. He is repaying us with great performances and great goals.”

On Gigot.

“Gigot is a strong player: he was the captain of Marseille, has great personality. Now he is doing well and will find more and more space on the field. He can make a great contribution to the team, also in terms of personality and presence. Goalkeeper hierarchy?”

The goalkeeper choice.

“For me, the goalkeeper position is very delicate. I have already clarified the initial hierarchy: Provedel is the first choice for us, he is an important asset. Mandas is young and has potential. But it’s not like he will play the Europa League and Provedel the league, but when I feel there are conditions to maintain the high level of trust in both, I will also give space to Mandas.”

Dia’s return.

“Yes. We resume training tomorrow, I want to see what his condition is and talk to the doctor. The boy has undergone tests and is fine. We hope to be able to reintegrate him into the group immediately. I will discuss it with the medical staff, but I hope so. Dia is a player I like for his mobility and how he plays his role. If he is well, he will play.”

Winning the Europa League.

“A dream. We want to do well, now we are facing incredible teams. We want to stay there, it won’t be easy, we will have important clashes. But the team believes: more than looking at the goal, the team must focus on the journey. We must not fall into the thought of having already achieved something. Now the most difficult moment begins, to be experienced with great enthusiasm, conviction, and with our eyes on the work.”

Extension until 2028.

“I arrived at a great club and the fans are wonderful. At the moment, I don’t even want to comment on what has been written about the renewal hypothesis, because my attention is only focused on the team, the work, and giving my all. Then there will be time and ways to evaluate everything. Now it’s just about focusing on the work.”