Pirlo: It’s just the beginning, things can only get better

Juventus face one of the biggest challenges of their young season when they travel to the nation’s capital to take on Lazio in Sunday’s early game.

Speaking to the media in his pre-match press conference, coach Andrea Pirlo said he is looking forward to the challenge.

“It’s certainly going to be a great game, because Lazio-Juventus is an enjoyable match to play.

“It will also be difficult, as Lazio are a wonderful team and proved that in recent years, so it’s tough, but exciting. We imagined their classic 3-5-2 with a very tight defence. They are very good on the counter, especially with Sergej Milinkovic-Savic as well as their forwards. This is why we must be wary of making technical errors that can spark those counters.”

After a couple of underwhelming performances, Juventus got back to their winning ways with a 4-0 over Ferencvaros midweek in the Champions League.

“We had some interesting pointers in terms of performance and how we develop the attacking play from the midfield. We occupied the attacking spaces well and that is positive, so while we still need to improve, we are on the right track playing a different football to what this team was accustomed to in the past.

“Goals from midfielders are important and we are working to get more of them pushing forward, like Adrien Rabiot and Weston McKennie.”

Alvaro Morata has been excellent since his return, and has been banging in the goals for the Bianconeri.

“I always knew Morata was a complete player and not just in his finishing, so what he’s done in recent matches is not a surprise. He is always involved in the play and have always looked to him.

“What I would like to see is a team with more confidence and that is dominating the match. That could be a big step forward to take.”

Pirlo is still on his first coaching job, how does he feel things are going for him?

“It’s great, exciting. I settled in gradually, but felt at ease from the first day in this new role and in this club. It’s just the beginning, so things can only get better.”