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Edoardo Reja: Lazio deserved qualification to knockout stages
The former Napoli man is adamant his team were good value for their victory over the Portuguese outfit which confirms European football in the new year
14 Dec 2011 23:43:00
By Luke Matthews
Getty Images
Lazio coach Edoardo Reja believes his side deserved their qualification to the Europa League round of 32 after they beat Sporting Lisbon 2-0 on Wednesday evening.
The result combined with FC Vaslui's 2-0 loss to FC Zurich guarantees the Rome-based club finish second in Group C.
Reja did rotate his squad yet was forced to field first-team regulars such as Djibril Cisse and Hernanes due to a lengthy injury list.
"If we got to this stage, it's because we deserved this qualification. Our performances have been good throughout the competition, even when they weren't supported by the results," the coach told reporters after the game.
"We did struggle to qualify, especially as I have few options to rotate the squad. There are many injury problems and I hope to have some [of the players] back for the games against Udinese and Chievo.
"We gave it our all from the very start to score, so fortunately after breaking the deadlock it all became much easier."
Lazio return to Serie A action this weekend when they entertain top of the table Udinese at Stadio Olimpico.
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The result combined with FC Vaslui's 2-0 loss to FC Zurich guarantees the Rome-based club finish second in Group C.
Reja did rotate his squad yet was forced to field first-team regulars such as Djibril Cisse and Hernanes due to a lengthy injury list.
"If we got to this stage, it's because we deserved this qualification. Our performances have been good throughout the competition, even when they weren't supported by the results," the coach told reporters after the game.
"We did struggle to qualify, especially as I have few options to rotate the squad. There are many injury problems and I hope to have some [of the players] back for the games against Udinese and Chievo.
"We gave it our all from the very start to score, so fortunately after breaking the deadlock it all became much easier."
Lazio return to Serie A action this weekend when they entertain top of the table Udinese at Stadio Olimpico.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
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