Baroni: "We Are Very Pleased. It Was An Extraordinary Game. Matches Like These Are Vital For Our Growth And Will Help Us Keep Improving."

Marco Baroni expressed his satisfaction with Lazio's performance after defeating Napoli twice in four days but cautioned his team against losing their humility and commitment to hard work. 

Lazio proved to be a formidable opponent for Antonio Conte's Napoli, securing a 3-1 victory in the Coppa Italia Round of 16 on Thursday, followed by a 1-0 win in Serie A at the Stadio Maradona on Sunday evening. 

The closely contested match saw chances for both sides, but the decisive moment came when Tijjani Noslin delivered a pinpoint pass from midfield to Gustav Isaksen, who expertly placed the ball into the top corner with his left foot, clinching the win for the Biancoceleste.

"We are very pleased. It was an extraordinary game, and we approached it just as we had planned," Baroni told DAZN. 

"I told the players this was a test to challenge ourselves against top teams, so we could improve and become more competitive. I’m grateful to everyone who played, starters or substitutes, for giving their best."

The victory not only knocked Il Partenopei off the top of the standings but also brought Lazio closer to new leaders Atalanta, narrowing the gap to three points and trailing Conte’s Napoli by just one. 

The Biancoceleste are in impressive form, having won 13 of their last 16 matches across Serie A, the Coppa Italia, and the Europa League.

"In a short time, these players have shown passion and a strong work ethic. This was our first major test to prove ourselves, and we faced a team designed to win. The only way to compete is by playing good football," Baroni continued.

"I believe we achieved that, except for the last 15 minutes of the first half when we were a bit tense and distracted, giving Napoli opportunities. Matches like these are vital for our growth and will help us keep improving."