Lazio is preparing to play against Parma with a clear message from coach Gennaro Gattuso: the team cannot afford to "take a beating in the teeth". In a press conference in Formello, Gattuso underlined that the match is a real test of maturity and that the attitude on the pitch must be decisive and determined. “If we think we're going to manage the match, we have to be ready to suffer a blow in the teeth that we will remember for a long time,” he declared, making it clear that the team will not tolerate hesitation or uncertainty.
The coach also explained how he is managing the recovery phase of the injured players. Rovella and Marusic, both with injuries, will continue to be out of the group for another four or five days, while Gudmundsson will need a few more days to get back to fitness. “We know and are well aware of the types of training we are doing, they must be ready and it is useless to have someone come onto the pitch and then after two days we feel sorry for ourselves,” added Gattuso, reiterating the importance of adequate physical preparation before returning to the pitch.
As regards the composition of the eleven, Lazio does not foresee any changes compared to the previous match against Juventus, in which the team won 3-0 in Turin. Gattuso declared that the priority is tomorrow's match, but that from Sunday he will have to make some assessments for the next match. The formation planned for the match against Parma includes the same defensive line used against Juventus, with Mandas, Floriani and Tavares on the flanks and the pair of central defenders made up of Sutalo and Provstgaard. Taylor, who returned from injury in Turin, will play in the midfield trio with Frattesi and Belahyane, while the Dutchman could be the first change of the match, leaving room for Dele-Bashiru.
On the offensive front, the Dutchman is already being considered for the attack, with Pinamonti who could replace Noslin in the next match in Reggio Emilia. For the wingers, the team confirms Zaccagni on the left and Isaksen on the right, with the return of Matteo Cancellieri among the squad. Gattuso reiterated that the priority is tomorrow's match, but that from Sunday he will have to make some assessments for the next match. Lazio is therefore preparing for a match that will represent a real test of maturity, with the coach having asked the group to be decisive and determined on the pitch.