Petkovic confident Lazio can defeat Fenerbahce

16-Mar-2013 2:00:00 AM

The Biancocelesti boss is confident his side can overcome their Turkish opponents in the next round of the Europa League, but is not taking anything for granted

Lazio coach Vladimir Petkovic believes Fenerbahce are a strong side but insists they are not "unbeatable".

The Biancocelesti were paired with the Turkish giants in the quarter-finals of the Europa League after overcoming Stuttgart in the previous round and Petkovic is well aware of the task facing his side.

"They are very good team, especially at home," Petkovic was quoted by Uefa.com.

"Turkish sides don't usually shine when they play away, however. We have great respect for them but they are not unbeatable.

"They have big names in their squad, players with a lot of experience at international level like Reto Ziegler and Milos Krasic.

"I have faced them three times already, once with Young Boys in a Champions League qualifier [in 2010]: 2-2 at home and we won 1-0 away. Their fans showed great sportsmanship and clapped us after the game. They have a fantastic stadium."

Fener defeated Viktoria Plzen 2-1 on aggregate to reach the last-eight.