Lazio Were Already Thinking About Coppa Italia Final, Admits Rocchi

Lazio striker Tommaso Rocchi admitted that his side were already thinking about the upcoming Coppa Italia final during tonight's defeat by Udinese, while coach Delio Rossi also preferred to look ahead to Wednesday's final.



Following the 3-1 home defeat by Udinese, Lazio captain Tommaso Rocchi, who scored the opening goal for his side, admitted that the team were already thinking ahead to next Wednesday's Coppa Italia final against Sampdoria.

"There was a drop in concentration," he said to Gasport. "Before my opening goal we had been playing well, then we stopped playing and tried to control the match. Udinese, meanwhile, played better and put us in difficulty, and it did not end well for us.

"We started thinking about [the final] too early, but now we have to turn the page and prepare for the final, and only think about winning it."

Coach Delio Rossi also said a few words after the match to Rai.

"We thought we would be able to control the match after the goal but that is not a part of our characteristics," he admitted.

"[Goran] Pandev? He will certainly be back for the final. Tonight I gave some players rest but against Sampdoria we are playing for everything in one night.

"There will be a lot of pressure because we are playing in our own stadium, there will be a lot of emotion, but I think it's better to play these kinds of games at home."

Following tonight's defeat Lazio's only real chance of reaching European football is to beat Sampdoria in the Coppa Italia final, as they are now six points behind sixth-placed Roma, who are in action tomorrow