The Biancoceleste coach held a press conference to discuss the upcoming game, from Tavares`s role to the condition of the injured players.
Lazio is set to return to the field for the second Serie A matchday against Hellas Verona on Sunday, August 31, at 8:45 PM at the Stadio Olimpico. The Biancocelesti are coming off a 2-0 defeat in their opening match against Como. In the press conference held at Formello, coach Maurizio Sarri previewed the game. He covered several key topics relevant to fans and fantasy football enthusiasts, including Dele-Bashiru`s potential, the importance of Zaccagni and Pedro, and updates on injured players.
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Dele-Bashiru
“We are still at the preface, not even the first pages. Physically, he possesses immense qualities; he can achieve accelerations of 35-36 km/h, and I`ve seen few players like that. He needs technical and tactical refinement, but he has strong innate qualities.”
Zaccagni and Pedro
“Zaccagni knows what I think of him; he needs to reach double figures in goals every year, given his physical and technical quality. If he doesn`t, he`s doing something wrong. He`s attacking the box too little and needs to improve in this aspect; I shouldn`t have to repeat it often because I`ve told him many times. Pedro always has the possibility to start, keeping in mind that having him on the bench is a weapon; we`ll see the situation today and decide. A weapon on the bench is always extremely useful; we`re talking about a player who, by his characteristics, can create something at any moment. I`m not sure if other players in the squad are capable of the same thing.”
Injured Players
“Vecino, Isaksen, and Patric: they are under the observation of the medical staff. I believe Vecino is the closest to returning, but all three players are currently training separately.”
Tavares
“When we talk about a full-back, we must clearly understand the definition: a full-back is an outside defender. Tavares is adapting to playing as an outside defender; there are tasks on the field he likely considers important, and he performs them with great acceleration. Other tasks are less important, and he doesn`t accelerate in the same way. If he accelerated equally in both phases, he would become a top-level defender.”
