Baroni: ‘Lazio face Porto with character’ and Guendouzi’s valuable experience | OneFootball

Lazio coach Marco Baroni wants to see his team play with ‘character’ against FC Porto in the Europa League this evening and hails Matteo Guendouzi’s contribution.

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 20.00 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game, Union Saint-Gilloise-Roma and APOEL-Fiorentina on the Liveblog.

The Aquile are top of the Europa League table thanks to three victories in as many rounds and a superior goal difference to Tottenham Hotspur and RSC Anderlecht.

“I told the lads that they have to step onto the pitch with character, because that is what these matches and these competitions require,” Baroni told Sky Sport Italia.

“I am confident we will not get the approach wrong tonight.”

Baroni trusts Lazio to keep run going

Matteo Guendouzi celebrates with Cole Palmer’s ‘ice cold’ celebration after opening the scoring for Lazio, following an assist from his former Arsenal teammate Nuno Tavares. Picture (@officialsslazio via X)

They have won eight of their last nine competitive matches, interrupted only by a 1-0 loss at Juventus when down to 10 men.

“I knew this job was an important chance for me, so from the first minute of the first day, I tried to experience it fully with my team.

“I tried to pass on with clarity my ideas of football, even if we are still at the beginning really, and I am seeing improvement all the time.”

Porto lost the opener 3-2 at Bodo/Glimt, then held Manchester United 3-3 at Old Trafford before a 2-0 victory over TSG Hoffenheim.

“This is going to be a difficult match for us against a quality opponent that attacks rapidly. When I talk about the performance, I said I want to see joy of facing a game like this.”

France international Guendouzi had been on the verge of leaving Lazio after his notorious clashes of personality with Igor Tudor, but has been revitalised under Baroni.

“He is the emotional leader of the squad, but also has great mobility that allows him to be present both when attacking and defending,” continued the coach.

“He has such international experience and really is enjoying his role within the team, giving a big contribution.”