Europa League

Davide Ballardini: Lazio Will Find It Tough Against Villarreal

The tactician wishes he had a deeper squad but insists the Roman outfit must learn to cope ahead of the clash in Spain...

Nov 4, 2009 5:37:03 PM

Davide Ballardini - Lazio (Getty Images)

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Davide Ballardini - Lazio (Getty Images)

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Davide Ballardini

Lazio defeated Villarreal with a last minute goal from Tommaso Rocchi when the two sides met in Rome two weeks ago and Italian coach Davide Ballardini is expecting another closely fought match on Thursday.

"We want to think only about tomorrow's match and not about Milan," he was quoted as saying by Il Corriere dello Sport at a press conference.

"It will be a very difficult match. Villarreal are a complete team with plenty of quality, strength and experience."

The former Palermo and Cagliari tactician was envious of the squad depth of Inter. They currently have several doubts, with Ousmane Dabo, Julio Cruz and Mourad Meghni injured. Meanwhile, Matuzalem is suspended.

"Are we annoyed by the Europa League? All [Italian] teams that play in Europe, apart from Inter, must give up something in the league. We know this, we are aware of these difficulties. We must overcome them," he concluded.

Adam Scime, Goal.com