On a bright Sunday afternoon at the Dall’Ara, Bologna put on a display of dazzling football, overwhelming a lacklustre Lazio with a thumping 5-0 defeat. This impressive victory allows the Rossoblù to leapfrog Lazio in the standings, even taking the lead on head-to-head records after overturning the 3-0 loss from earlier in the season. For Marco Baroni, this marks another heavy defeat, following December's 0-6 debacle against Inter. Since that dismal match, the biancocelesti have struggled, and now find themselves in mid-table purgatory. Based on points amassed in the calendar year, Lazio would rank ninth, highlighting their recent woes.
Baroni, however, remained composed in the aftermath of the rout, addressing DAZN’s microphones with characteristic poise. “Did it feel like the Inter match?” he reflected, “It’s simple: we held our own in the first half, but they outpaced us in the second. We ran out of steam mentally after seeing we couldn't turn the tide. Bologna were just too strong; they’re in tip-top shape. It’s crucial to note that we’re at the end of a demanding patch and met a very fit opponent.”
When asked about Milinkovic-Savic's performance, he replied, “He was nursing a slight issue; while he was in doubt, we arrived with several players lacking sharpness due to travel. But it can’t be an excuse. Today, Bologna were simply too lively.” Baroni expressed disappointment at the mental collapse but acknowledged it’s understandable given their recent exertions. On Isaksen’s substitution, he added, “He was fatigued and struggling with minor injuries. I didn’t want to risk anyone. I’d rather lose a game than a player.”
As international duty beckons, many players will soon depart Rome, leaving the Formello training ground half-empty. Baroni reassured fans, “I’m not worried; I trust my lads. This break comes at an opportune moment for recovery. We need to refocus as we can't neglect fieldwork during such a packed schedule.” Addressing the fans, he stated, “I’m the face of this; the defeat lies with me. They expect us to treat every match like a final.”
In the post-match press conference, Baroni reflected further on the match: “Did I see my worst Lazio today? Not at all, we faced a team in excellent form. We started the match low on energy, and conceding two quick goals after half-time was pivotal. Bologna were simply too aggressive.”
When questioned about his selection choices, he affirmed, “We’re still in the hunt for both league and European success; we’ve utilised the entire squad. In these direct clashes, you lean on your strong players, but we need to continue our development as a team.” Finally, he offered insight on Tavares and his late substitution choices, concluding, “I prioritise player health over heading into a match. Zaccagni was doing well but fatigued, with others like Guendouzi at risk. I aim to safeguard the team.”
