Petkovic praises team after 'crazy game'

Jan 30, 2013 12:07:00 AM

The 49-year-old coach praised his team having secured a passage to the final and insists he is not worried about the opposition

Lazio boss Vladimir Petkovic has heaped praise on his team following their progression to the Coppa Italia final at the expense of Juventus.

The Biancocelesti survived an exhilarating finale and emerged 2-1 winners on the night after Sergio Floccari's 95th minute winner cancelled out Arturo Vidal's equaliser moments earlier.

Lazio goalkeeper Federico Marchetti kept out a Sebastien Giovinco effort at the death and Claudio Marchisio failed to convert the rebound, prompting Petkovic to single out goalkeeper Marchetti for special praise while reflecting on the tie as a "crazy game".

“We are satisfied with the result and that was a crazy game at the end, but we had the right determination to take home the result,” Petkovic told reporters.

“We deserve this joy and must always play at this level, as a great team cannot afford dips in intensity during a season. The squad is really growing and tonight’s performance proved it against a strong side like Juventus.

“Marchetti is having a fantastic season, not just in the individual saves, but the way he does his work and he is a reference point in the locker room.”

Lazio will meet either Roma or Inter in the final and while Petkovic admits a local derby would make for a memorable match, he insists his team will be intending to prevail regardless of the opponent.

“We want to win the Coppa Italia, regardless of who our opponents will be. For the fans, a Rome derby in the final would be the ultimate game, but I have no preferences.”

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