‘Lazio should be proud without regret’ of 1-1 draw with Atalanta

epa11796340 Lazio head coach Marco Baroni reacts during the Italian Serie A soccer match between SS Lazio and Atalanta BC at the Olimpico stadium in Rome, Italy, December 28, 2024. EPA-EFE/GIUSEPPE LAMI

Marco Baroni does not want Lazio to feel “regret”. they drew 1:1 with Serie A leader Atalantawhile insisting they should be “proud” of the performance.

The Biancocelesti could have come to regret it after the final whistle at the Stadio Olimpico as they went in front against the leaders on the hour thanks to Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s strike sent over by Nicolò Rovelella.

They also had a few more big chances, notably with Boulaye Dia, but Marco Brescianini came off the bench to grab a late equalizer set up by Ademola Lookman.

“I told the boys in the dressing room that I was proud of their performance against a great opponent who can challenge for the title. I think the quality of the performance was all the more remarkable that it was against such a strong team.” Baroni told Sky Sport Italia.

“I have no regrets, we have to hang in there because this side has to keep growing in terms of character and ability to handle this type of game. The players give their all in the most difficult moments and show character, that’s what interests me.”

Baroni sees the positive side of Lazio’s result

While Lazio had the better of the first half, Atalanta started to take control in the second and had the pace in stoppages.

“We had the opportunity to kill it at 2-0 but we are struggling with injuries at the moment and I am very pleased with how everyone fought hard but also showed quality against a high-pressing Atalanta team,” continued Baroni.

“I always look at the performance before the result, these games help us raise our level and get our identity.”

Dele-Bashiru was used in midfield and Taty Castellanos dropped a little deeper to link between midfield and attack, creating space for the goal.

“Atalanta press high, so we tried to get those quick passes and mobility to exploit the space. Dele is improving every day, he has played a lot in the Europa League this season and maybe needs more passing quality, but he is very effective physically.

“I believe a game like this raises the level of the team and although I would have liked to bring home the win, it’s a good result.”

Rovella assisted Dele-Bashiru’s goal but is also more consistent in midfield for Lazio, which Baroni appreciates.

“I like to see the mobility of my midfielders, Rovell and Guendouzi often change positions and it is difficult to mark them. Rovella never feels pressured when he has the ball at his feet and I encourage him to take risks, even if it means making a mistake sometimes. I prefer midfielders who go to the ball rather than just waiting for it to be passed to them.

“We can often find players between the lines and that’s why a lad like Dele-Bashiru needs a bit more work to fit into that position because maybe he’s not used to it,” Baroni concluded.

Although they only got a point from it, Lazio are still in fourth place, four points clear of the Fiorentina side with two games in hand.