Gian Piero Gasperini spoke on the eve of Lazio-Atalanta, the rescheduled match of the 2020-2021 Serie A TIM matchday 1. “It’s a big match – stated the Nerazzurri coach -, which is much awaited, for what the two teams have showed in recent years. The spirit of the two teams won’t change. It’ll be the second of three game in a week, but we can’t ration our energy: we must always play at our best to try to get a result against anyone”.

This is a match that provided emotions and many goals in the past. “There were often many goals in the matches against Lazio, this time we will have to limit their offensive effectiveness. Lazio are balanced in all positions. Their forwards undoubtedly add value. They’re all strong and dangerous. We defend very well for long periods of the game and, if we look at the statistics, we don’t concede many shots; yet we concede obvious chances that lead us to concede a few more goals: this is an aspect that we can and must improve because it could make us take a step up”.

The attacking efficiency and the good performance away have been a trademark of Gasperini’s teams: “We probably have characteristics and a mentality that in the away matches goes well with the results made. We did well in Turin and deservedly won. Zapata and Muriel played a good match, they’re both in a good shape. And then there’s Papu Gomez who is an amazing player, also for the continuity he’s showing. I’m happy with the guys, as it seems that they’re always on top of their game, yet they always show room for improvement. This growth arises from the self-awareness that have gained and from their mind”.