Lazio display gets Petkovic approval

Lazio coach Vladimir Petkovic was full of praise for his side after they defeated Maribor 1-0 in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday.

The Rome-based club moved to the top of Group J with the win, which came thanks to Ederson’s second-half goal at Stadio Olimpico.

Petkovic also reserved praise for Sergio Floccari, who impressed up front for Lazio.

“It was a nice game for both teams and the fans, a match with a lot of chances, too many chances I would say because of some individual mistakes from our side,” Petkovic said.

“However, we knew Maribor were a great team based on previous performances, so we were not surprised.

“But credit must also go to my team who deserved to win this match, even if we could have secured a more comfortable victory.

“In the second half we have shown character to seal a deserved victory, and (Sergio) Floccari had a big role in our success.”

Lazio have made a strong start to the season with one win and a draw from their two matches in the Europa League, while they also sit fourth on the Serie A table.