Post by Taxigirl on Dec 5, 2003 18:17:49 GMT
Roberto Mancini is convinced that his inconsistent Lazio side can beat both Juventus and Sparta Prague.
The Biancocelesti face Juve on Saturday, keen to make up for their disastrous 3-0 defeat at Siena last week.
"This game comes at the right time for us," said the tactician. "It should be an entertaining tie against a great side.
"My players will be motivated to do well and I’m convinced that we can win on Saturday and then in the week at Sparta Prague."
The Italian media are claiming that Juventus are in crisis right now after their defeat against Inter was followed by a loss at Galatasaray.
"It’s incredible," responded Mancini. "You lose in the League after 25 matches and people talk of a crisis."
Mancini, like his counterpart Marcello Lippi, maintains he has yet to make his mind up over his starting XI.
"It’s too soon to say," he noted. "Lopez could play but I have yet to decide. We’ll see what happens after tomorrow’s training session."
The tactician also commented on the latest transfer speculation suggesting that Dejan Stankovic is set for a move to Inter.
"We’ll miss him over the next few games because of his suspension," noted Mancio. "I’ll hopefully have him available again soon as I doubt that he will leave in January."
Stankovic starts a four-match ban, following his dismissal at Siena, this weekend.