Baroni: ‘I thank Lazio, ready to face any opponent’ in Europa League | OneFootball

Marco Baroni thanked Lazio players for ‘sacrificing themselves’ in unusual roles and securing top spot in the Europa League table, but shrugs off the prospect of facing Roma in the Round of 16.

The Aquile were the only side going into the final matchday who knew their place in the Round of 16 was secure, having been top of the table from start to finish of this opening league phase.

Despite an unlucky 1-0 defeat away to SC Braga, decided by the early Ricardo Horta goal and a series of Lukas Hornicek saves, they kept that prestigious top spot with a superior goal difference to Athletic Club Bilbao.

“I have to thank the squad, because I told them we needed a genuine performance and I saw that. Players sacrificed themselves by working in roles that they were not accustomed to and that was great to see,” Baroni told Sky Sport Italia.

There were only two outfield senior players available on the bench and defender Mario Gila had to act as a makeshift midfielder to fill the gaps of a decimated squad in Portugal this evening.

“We got it wrong on the goal because the midfielders didn’t track back properly and we once again suffered from a pass from the wings. We’ve got to stop allowing those passes and crosses to come in from those areas. I’m disappointed, clearly it must not become a phobia, but it is something we need to work on,” explained Baroni.

“In any case, Gila worked hard, he tried to find the right position, but clearly our style of play depends a great deal on the midfielders. We tried to get back into the game and I am happy with the approach. We know it’s tricky in these situations where the result is irrelevant, but we gave it our all trying to get back into it.

“I want to say I will never stop being surprised by Pedro, who even dropped back trying to work in midfield and do everything possible for the team.”

Baroni ready for European derby with Roma

BRAGA, PORTUGAL – JANUARY 30: Mario Gila of SS Lazio in action during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD8 match between SC Braga and S.S. Lazio at Estadio Municipal de Braga on January 30, 2025 in Braga, Portugal. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Lazio already know they are through to the Round of 16 and will face one of the play-off winners, which will be from Viktoria Plzen, FC Porto, Ferencvaros and their city rivals Roma.

It means we could end up with a Derby della Capitale in the Europa League, not to mention the only two Italian sides facing each other.

“This is a marvellous tournament and we know every team we face from now on will be of a high level. We’ll wait and see, then be ready to battle it out against whoever we are drawn against,” noted Baroni.

“Now we will get our heads back on Serie A and the Coppa Italia. We need to get some players back in shape, as everyone has put so much effort in so far this season.”

Considering they have so many injuries, is Baroni expecting any reinforcements in the January transfer window?

“The club knows the situation and is trying to do what is possible, but my job is to work with these players. They are doing really well, have reached an important level and if someone can arrive to help, he’s welcome, but otherwise I am concentrated on further raising the bar of the current group, because we need that for the games that we’ve got coming,” concluded Baroni.