Baroni: ‘Lazio must play as if there is no tomorrow’ in Europa League | OneFootball

Marco Baroni warns they ‘need the best Lazio’ to get the better of Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League Round of 16. ‘We have to play as if there is no tomorrow.’

The Aquile topped the table in the league phase of this new format, earning their spot in the Round of 16 with the first leg kicking off in Plzen on Thursday at 20.00 GMT.

Their confidence was boosted in Serie A at the weekend with a thrilling last-gasp victory away to Milan, earned by a Pedro penalty.

“We know what we earned on the pitch,” said Baroni in his press conference.

“These is a wonderful competition to be involved in and gives prestige to all the clubs, getting to face teams from different cultures. We know how difficult this match is, we are coming off a game that took a lot out of us, but these appointments help you find extra reserves of energy. The side will play with the utmost dedication, hunger and determination.”

Baroni respects Viktoria Plzen in Europa League

VENICE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Head coach of SS Lazio Marco Baroni looks on prior the Serie A match between Venezia and SS Lazio at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on February 22, 2025 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

Lazio were recently knocked out of the Coppa Italia quarter-final by Inter, so the pressure is on in this knockout round of the Europa League.

“We know these are matches you cannot get wrong, and although we haven’t had much time to prepare, we know what we have to do. Viktoria Plzen have caused problems for everyone here, so we need the best Lazio,” continued Baroni.

“We played with character against Milan on Sunday and that Pedro penalty is something that really leaves its mark.”

There are more changes forced, because along with Taty Castellanos, Elseid Hysaj and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, they have also lost Mattia Zaccagni to a calf injury.

Adam Marusic has a bruised knee that forced him off at half-time against Milan, but he should be on the bench.

“We have to play as if there is no tomorrow, we cannot try to hold back or make calculations,” warned Baroni.

“It’s true, we are missing some players, but I count on those who are making this trip. We know the difficulties and that we cannot afford any mistakes, but within that sacrifice I feel we can find the responses we need. I still have to evaluate some situations, including who will be the captain.

“Alessio Romagnoli should be back in the side, but we’ll see, as he only had one training session. I want to talk to a few players to figure out how they are feeling, but I am certain we won’t have the wrong attitude tomorrow.”

Baroni denied Lazio could adopt a 3-5-2 formation, even when missing so many forwards, while he has not yet decided whether to start Ivan Provedel or Christos Mandas in goal.

Viktoria Plzen beat drew 3-3 in Frankfurt with Eintracht, 2-2 away to PAOK, then beat Real Sociedad, Anderlecht and Dynamo Kyiv before eliminating Ferencvaros in the play-offs.

“We studied Viktoria games, they play aggressive and fast-paced football, are physical and good at quick vertical moves. We need the right game, both physically and mentally,” concluded Baroni.