Di Canio: "No One Expected This Start, But Hard Work Pays Off. Baroni Was Determined To Prove Himself In A Prestigious Role And Worked Quietly And Diligently, While The Players Showed Their Commitment."

These are the three key factors that Paolo Di Canio believes have contributed to Lazio's strong start under coach Marco Baroni, despite initial skepticism: Work, availability, and determination. Speaking at the Mediolanum Padel Cup at the Villa Pamphili Padel Club in Rome, where Di Canio was participating in a padel "derby" with Perrotta, Candela, and Fiore, he said:

"We often favor big-name coaches because they bring expectations of success. But names become important due to results," Di Canio remarked. "For Lazio, this is even more relevant. The team has performed well in recent years, both in the league and in European competitions. They finished second under Sarri with standout players like Felipe Anderson and Immobile. But Baroni’s arrival brought a major tactical and technical shift."

Baroni's background working with teams focused on survival in the league seemed, on paper, like a downgrade. The same could be said for players like Tavares, who had limited playing time, or Dia and Noslin, both accustomed to battling relegation. 

"No one expected this start," Di Canio continued. "But hard work pays off. Baroni was determined to prove himself in a prestigious role and worked quietly and diligently, while the players showed their commitment."

Di Canio described the current Lazio squad as fast and strong, though not especially creative. However, they demonstrate quality, effort, and technique, particularly in the attacking third. "It feels like a team that has been playing together for years. The consistency is impressive, as everyone knows their role."

He concluded, "There’s a sense of surprise when things come together like this, but it’s a long season, so let’s wait and see."