Canzi: “Lazio will be difficult, but we are ready”

Fresh from a memorable and impressive first leg victory over Paris Saint-Germain in Women’s Champions League qualifying, the women’s first team are in action again this Saturday away to top-flight newcomers Lazio.

Ahead of the match, which kicks off at 15:00 CEST in Rome, coach Massimiliano Canzi gave his pre-match impressions.

WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE VICTORY

“The atmosphere was different to normal and we also knew that we couldn’t afford to make mistakes, because at this level, there is a price to pay when you make them. Winning like that, having started as outsiders, makes the satisfaction even greater.

“Beyond the result, I remember even more the way the girls played. I asked them to play as a team, to defend and attack in a compact way, and I couldn’t be happier with what they did, but of course we know it’s only half of the game.

“We played very well, but now we are waiting for the return match. Of course, winning helps us, and now we are focusing on the championship and this delicate match.”

PREPARE FOR LAZIO

“We tried to recover our energy and start preparing for Lazio. The reaction time is very short and it is not easy, but we have our way of attacking and defending that helps us. We have analyzed the opponent well and we are ready. We feel ready for the match.”

ON LAZIO

“It would be reductive to simply call them promoted. They have changed a lot but have kept the same structure that brought them up, so they have that advantage, especially having the same coach as last season. They have signed players from Serie A, especially (Martina) Piemonte who plays for the Italian national team and who has played in a top league (the WSL in England). They have individual talent but they are also an organised team with an experienced coach in Gianluca Grassadonia. They are a tough team and we will have to be at our best if we want to win.”

“I always like to focus on what we have to do rather than what we shouldn’t do. We have to face Lazio as if it were our biggest game of the season. Right now, our whole world is focused on Lazio. We’ll go there to win, knowing what kind of team we’re going to be up against.

“As always, the level of performance must be there. For us, tomorrow’s match is the most important.”