Baroni: ‘Lazio made it seem easy’ and are waiting for Casadei | OneFootball

Marco Baroni feels Lazio ‘made it seem easy’ as they crushed Hellas Verona 3-0 and hints at the latest reports on a bid for Chelsea talent Cesare Casadei.

The Biancocelesti were low on confidence after two points from the last three Serie A rounds, including the Derby della Capitale defeat to rivals Roma.

However, they started strong at the Bentegodi with Samuel Gigot nodding in after 90 seconds, followed by Boulaye Dia and Mattia Zaccagni rounding out the 3-0 result.

“We made it seem easy because we started the match with hunger and humility, knowing it was what we needed to dominate the game,” Baroni told Sky Sport Italia.

“We caused huge problems for Verona, a side that is in good shape. Now we have another important and delicate match to prepare for on Thursday.”

Lazio are next in action for the Europa League on Thursday and could practically lock down their place in the Round of 16 with victory against Real Sociedad at the Stadio Olimpico.

Lazio finding their identity with Baroni

VERONA, ITALY – JANUARY 19: Mattéo Guendouzi of SS Lazio applauds his fans after the Serie A match between Verona and SS Lazio at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on January 19, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Baroni was asked about the tactical development of his Lazio, who seem to have now settled on a 4-2-3-1 formation after experimenting with 4-3-3.

“This is the right system for the squad, but the lads know it is not easy to get the best out of everyone. We must build an identity and at times use other players to interpret those same roles. I am pleased and at the moment we are sticking with this.”

The transfer window is open and Lazio are reported to be in negotiations with Chelsea for Casadei, albeit facing a bidding war with fellow Serie A side Torino.

“This time can be distracting for everyone, including coaches. I work to get the best out of what I have, we cannot always have the players available who are best to use that system and we’ve been lacking alternatives lately, for example the Matias Vecino injury,” added Baroni.

“I have already spoken to the club about what we need. Believe me, though, we already took a step forward today recovering someone like Elseid Hysaj, a strong player I already worked with. It is not easy to further improve these players.”