In a frustrating Serie A face-off, Lazio's manager Marco Baroni has openly criticized his team's inability to break the deadlock against Venezia, resulting in a goalless draw. He expressed grave concerns over their lack of pace and vigor, indicating that these aspects are crucial areas needing enhancement if Lazio hopes to maneuver successfully through their tightly-packed fixture list.
During the on-field clash, which saw Lazio snatch a draw but devoid of impactful opportunities, Baroni identified significant gaps in the team's gameplay. He highlighted their deficiency in sharpness and creativity despite their compact structure at the back. Even with a well-organized defense that successfully kept a clean sheet, the offensive line fell short of expectations. ‘It’s not just about keeping the ball; we need to be quicker and a lot more assertive,’ remarked Baroni as he reflected on the match.
The performance was further compromised by the absence of prominent players. Star striker Taty Castellanos, along with influential figures like Matias Vecino and Elseid Hysaj, were notably missing from the lineup. These absences undeniably played a part in Lazio's subdued attack, which struggled to pierce through Venezia's solid defense.
Adding to the team's woes, midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru became a focal point of concern after he sustained an ankle sprain. Baroni shared that Dele-Bashiru, in a bid to stay in the match, aggravated his injury during an attempted shot. Despite his courageous efforts, he had to be carried off the pitch. The coach indicated that his recovery might be an uphill battle, especially given the jam-packed schedule that the team faces in the coming days. ‘We have to evaluate his condition, but it’s going to be difficult to have him back soon,’ Baroni commented, hinting that the timeline for his return remains uncertain.
Looking ahead, Lazio's calendar is far from forgiving. They are bracing themselves for crucial encounters, including a Coppa Italia quarter-final showdown against Milan on March 5. This will be followed closely by a Serie A match against Milan on March 10 and a Europa League Round of 16 game against Viktoria Plzen on March 6. Baroni's rallying cry for a step-up in tempo and performance couldn't have been timelier. With key fixtures looming, the need for a rejuvenated and strategically sharpened Lazio is more pressing than ever.
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