Two clubs chasing the Coppa Italia will do battle today in a cup match between Lazio and Napoli. The semifinal clash scheduled for 2:45 p.m. ET will be held at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome and can be live streamed here free.
What They're Saying
Lazio manager Stefano Pioli (via Football Italia): "Clearly, Napoli are our closest rival on both fronts at the moment. We know it will be difficult. We have to have respect for an opponent that started the season with the goal of winning the League and the Champions League and which has won the Supercoppa. The team is doing well, but it's normal to have some good times and some not-so-good times over the course of a season. Recent victories have built confidence, and we have to continue on this path."
Napoli manager Rafa Benitez (via Football Italia): "We've won two trophies [the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana], but if we all go forward shoulder-to-shoulder, we can win more. I can't keep repeating the same things after every defeat. After Doha, we've had a win ratio of 77 percent. We've lost three times, but I repeat: Shoulder to shoulder, we move forward."
Tactical Preview
Player to Watch: Dries Mertens has been an integral part of Napoli's success this campaign. In 20 total appearances, the 27-year-old has two goals and 30 chances created.
Lazio's Projected Lineup (4-3-3): Marchetti; Radu, Mauricio, Vrij, Basta; Parolo, Biglia, Cataldi; Mauri, Klose, Candreva
Napoli's Projected Lineup (4-2-3-1): Andujar; Ghoulam, Albiol, Koulibaly, Maggio; Lopez, Gargano; Mertens, Hamsik, Gabbiadini; Higuain
Note: Credit all statistics to officially licensed data from Opta Sports (lineups and statistics via WhoScored).
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