Relieved Reja ready to build

A relieved Edy Reja wants Lazio to build on their 3-2 Coppa Italia victory against Hellas Verona at the Stadio Olimpico.

An injury-time goal from Hernanes put Lazio through to the quarter-finals after they had earlier given up a two-goal lead in Tuesday’s dramatic match.

Reja said he did not expect such a difficult match against the Serie B club and signalled the importance of battling to a positive result.

“This was a very important victory because we worked harder than expected against Verona, who are a good side, both physically and technically,” he told Rai Sport.

“We made mistakes which we cannot repeat, allowing Verona to level the game.”

“The victory in the last minute will give us serenity and confidence for the future.”

“In the first half and in the last minutes our players gave their all, although they are not in the best physical and mental conditions.”

Lazio, who sit fourth in the Serie A standings, host Atalanta in the league on Sunday.