Hernanes not fazed by dropped points

Hernanes has called on his Lazio team-mates not to dwell on their disappointing 2-2 draw with Palermo and focus on their forthcoming games.

Vladimir Petkovic’s side took an early lead through Sergio Floccari on Saturday but, after goals from Alevaro Rios and Paulo Dybala, they only managed to rescue a point against the Sicilians with a late penalty from Hernanes.

After the game, the 27-year-old Brazilian stressed that there were some positive elements that his side could build on in future.

“At the end of the day it’s a point gained,” the former Sao Paulo man was quoted as saying by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“It didn’t go well, but we showed character. Now we need to think of the upcoming games, starting with Juventus.”

This optimism was shared by others in the squad, including Giuseppe Biava, who played for Palermo earlier in his career and praised the spirit of the opposition.

“A normal team would be down and out at 2-1,” the 35-year-old defender claimed.

“But we were good.”

“In the first half Palermo were a little fearful, perhaps due to their position, but in the second half they came out fighting.

“(Coach Gian Piero) Gasperini is one of the best I’ve ever played under. If the players follow him, they can do well.”

Lazio are second in Serie A with 43 points, five behind leaders Juventus, while strugglers Palermo are second bottom, three points from safety and with their direct rivals still to play on Sunday.