Baroni on Lazio keys, Guendouzi and Noslin advice | OneFootball

Lazio coach Marco Baroni explains why Matteo Guendouzi and Tijjani Noslin have the spotlight on them against Ludogorets, as his team must ‘never have the wrong attitude’ in the Europa League.

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 17.45 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game, Tottenham-Roma and Fiorentina-Pafos on the Liveblog.

The Aquile are the only side in the Europa League to still have a 100 per cent record after four matches and know a victory here this evening would practically secure their direct access to the Round of 16.

Baroni also has a big Serie A game coming up against Parma and makes seven changes from the side that beat Bologna 3-0, but Guendouzi is one he cannot afford to rest.

“Guendouzi is a great athlete and professional, he manages to train while playing and brings that emotional fire to every game,” Baroni told Sky Sport Italia when asked about the ex-Marseille and Arsenal man’s reputation.

“Seeing as I have a few issues with some players, I thought Guendouzi and Vecino could give us some guarantees in midfield. This is a game we cannot face with the wrong approach, so I needed their experience.

“There is some squad rotation in those areas where players were feeling the fatigue.”

Lazio flying under Baroni this season

TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 19: Matteo Guendouzi of SS Lazio compete for the ball with Manuel Locatelli of Juventus during the Serie match between Juventus and Lazio at Allianz Stadium on October 19, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Baroni had also reiterated the issue of mentality in his press conference yesterday, so does he sense there is a danger Lazio are taking Ludogorets for granted?

“It’s not that I sense the danger, it’s more that I am asking the team to take another step forward. We must do well even if it is a friendly, let alone facing a club with a long history. We must never have the wrong attitude, that is fundamental, even if we win, lose or draw. If that is wrong, then we have a problem.”

Noslin also worked with Baroni at Hellas Verona last season, but is struggling to make an impact so far at Lazio, not aided by a red card and consequent ban in the Europa League.

“I took on some of the responsibility for Noslin, as he arrived in a club with a lot of pressure and I didn’t help him by using him in a few different attacking roles on the right, left and centre.

“Tonight I am taking him back to perhaps the role he prefers, but this is a growth process and he was also penalised by the three-match ban that robbed him of extra playing time. He’s talented and will certainly get there, he’s just a little bit behind schedule.”