AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – DECEMBER 11: SS Lazio head coach Marco Baroni attends the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD press conference at the Johan Cruijff Arena on December 11, 2024 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. (Photo by SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Lazio coach Marco Baroni trusts they can ‘keep that belief’ in the trip to Verona despite recent results and explains where Arijon Ibrahimovic ‘needs to improve.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Bentegodi at 17.00 GMT.
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s five Serie A games on the Liveblog.
This is also an emotional evening for Baroni, who was in charge of Hellas Verona last season and steered them away from the rocks of potential relegation.
“It was a delicate time at Verona last season, but my staff and I know that we gave our all. It is wonderful to return in a place where we did something important like ensure Serie A safety,” Baroni told Sky Sport Italia.
The Biancocelesti are eager to get back on track after two points from three rounds, losing to rivals Roma in the Derby della Capitale along with 1-1 draws against Atalanta and Como.
“This is going to be a complicated match for Lazio, but certainly an intriguing one. I have seen a squad that never gives up and reacts to difficulties, we are only halfway through the campaign and we know the second half of the season is always tougher, but we’re slowly getting players back from injury and must keep that belief.”
-Baroni introduces new Lazio buy Ibrahimovic
Lazio made a new signing over the last few days, bringing in 19-year-old Arijon Ibrahimovic from Bayern Munich, on loan with an option to buy for €8m.
As part of the agreement, Bayern Munich also retain a buy-back option set at €20m.
“He is a player with quality, still very young, and can perhaps do better as a trequartista than a winger, but can also work in the midfield two if he puts the effort in,” explained Baroni.
“He has to work, we already talked about the areas where he needs to improve and I’m waiting to see that development.”
Lazio were in the world headlines this week for rather strange reasons, sacking their eagle handler Juan Bernabé for posting images of his penile implant on social media.
Senegal
