Lazio welcome Sporting to Rome in the Europa League tonight. The hosts have everything still to play for, in contrast to the Portuguese side who have already won Group D.
With top spot in the section already wrapped up, and two vital domestic games coming up before the Christmas break, Sporting coach Domingos Paciência has selected a youthful delegation for the match.
Five U19 level players have been drafted in from the Lisbon club’s famed academy, including striker Betinho, of whom great things are expected.
“I’d be lying if I said that this game was as important as our two subsequent ones. I have left some first-team regulars in Lisbon. But we have to defend our prestige,” said Domingos.
“I realize it is a risk leaving out some first teamers. But despite the changes, the team will be playing to win. The fact that the squad members who have played less are used to our way of playing leaves me calm. These players will be seeking victory and will show their ambition,” added the Sporting boss.
Lazio are enjoying an excellent season on the home front. The Italian outfit are currently just two points behind leaders Juventus in Serie A. However, they have had poor results in the Europa League, and must better the result of FC Vaslui in Zurich to overtake the Romanian team and clinch second place.
Coach Edy Reja does not believe his team’s task will be made any easier by the fact there is nothing riding on the match for Sporting.
“I’ve heard it said that Sporting have already qualified and this match means nothing to them, but thinking about that would be our biggest mistake. All the Europa League games are difficult. We have to do everything to make progress, even if we don’t depend only on ourselves,” said Reja.
Kick off at 7.00pm local time at the Stadio Olimpico, Rome.
Five U19 level players have been drafted in from the Lisbon club’s famed academy, including striker Betinho, of whom great things are expected.
“I’d be lying if I said that this game was as important as our two subsequent ones. I have left some first-team regulars in Lisbon. But we have to defend our prestige,” said Domingos.
“I realize it is a risk leaving out some first teamers. But despite the changes, the team will be playing to win. The fact that the squad members who have played less are used to our way of playing leaves me calm. These players will be seeking victory and will show their ambition,” added the Sporting boss.
Lazio are enjoying an excellent season on the home front. The Italian outfit are currently just two points behind leaders Juventus in Serie A. However, they have had poor results in the Europa League, and must better the result of FC Vaslui in Zurich to overtake the Romanian team and clinch second place.
Coach Edy Reja does not believe his team’s task will be made any easier by the fact there is nothing riding on the match for Sporting.
“I’ve heard it said that Sporting have already qualified and this match means nothing to them, but thinking about that would be our biggest mistake. All the Europa League games are difficult. We have to do everything to make progress, even if we don’t depend only on ourselves,” said Reja.
Kick off at 7.00pm local time at the Stadio Olimpico, Rome.
