Zaccagni: ‘Baroni gave Lazio strong mentality’ in Europa League | OneFootball

Mattia Zaccagni insists coach Marco Baroni has given Lazio a stronger ‘mentality’ in the Europa League this season and they had real ‘hunger to win’ against Real Sociedad.

The Aquile were already in a dominant position even before Aihan Munoz received his second yellow card on 30 minutes, leading through the early Mario Gila goal and forcing a goal-line clearance.

Taty Castellanos and Zaccagni went on to score, while a late consolation Ander Barrenetxea header made the final score 3-1 at the Stadio Olimpico.

They have been top of the big Europa League table from start to finish and are now three points clear with a goal difference of +13, guaranteeing their place in the Round of 16.

“Our European campaign has been truly impressive, we faced every game with the utmost focus. Few expected it, we believed in ourselves and took it one game at a time, so we’re very happy,” Zaccagni told Sky Sport Italia.

Zaccagni credits Baroni with Lazio mentality

ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 23: Mattia Zaccagni of SS Lazio scores a second goal during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between S.S. Lazio and Real Sociedad de Futbol at Stadio Olimpico on January 23, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Lazio had traditionally done better in the Champions League, whereas in the Europa League they tended to rotate the squad and take it somewhat for granted.

“The coach has given us this mentality this season so any tournament we face has to be with the same attitude, whether it’s in Europe, Serie A or the Coppa Italia. We always have the right focus and we need to continue like that.”

Zaccagni has been a lot more prolific over the last couple of campaigns and seems to relish being part of a very attack-minded Lazio team.

“I have gained a lot of self-confidence and that really helped. I also started my career in central midfield, so was more focused on providing assists than going for goal myself. I have improved in my finishing, but the important thing is that the team scores, it doesn’t matter who is on the scoresheet.”

Serie A have five places in the Champions League this season and are on track to do it again next term, so are good European results also boosting their performances domestically?

“The coach told us before the game that winning tonight would help us prepare for Sunday against Fiorentina,” continued Zaccagni.

“A victory gives you a smile when you work in training and feel more confident. We knew a draw might be enough tonight, but we still came out with the hunger to win and it showed.”