Football Italia
·12 December 2024
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·12 December 2024
Pedro reveals a very special dedication for his magnificent goal against Ajax and notes it is ‘too early’ to say whether Lazio can add to his long list of European silverware.
The Biancocelesti were dominant at the legendary Johan Cruijff ArenA, formerly known as the Amsterdam ArenA, emerging with a 3-1 victory.
Loum Tchaouna opened the scoring, cancelled out by Bertrand Traore, until Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and the Pedro stunner into the top corner secured all three points.
Rolling back the years 💥 Pedro puts the game to bed for Lazio with a fantastic curling effort 🔥 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/WOgN85BixZ — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 12, 2024
Considering he has been in so many trophy-winning teams, does the former Chelsea and Barcelona man sense something special brewing at Lazio?
“It is still early to say, but we are taking big leaps forward in our mentality and must keep going like this,” Pedro told Sky Sport Italia.
“It was another good performance against a strong Ajax team, it is very difficult to win here, I know that because I’ve played here many times. We picked up some big points here, the lads are growing in their mentality and that is great for the future of this team.”
Lazio are top of the Europa League table with 16 points from six games, level with Athletic Club, but ahead thanks to a superior goal difference of +11.
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – DECEMBER 12: SS Lazio team line up ashe during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between AFC Ajax and S.S. Lazio at Johan Cruijff Arena on December 12, 2024 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
“It’s true that there are many young players here, but they are learning very quickly and above all adapted fast to Baroni’s ideas. They are open to listening to us older players and we can see that unity on the field.
“As I said, it’s early days, but our performances have all been strong. We lost a few, but we are on the right track and must continue like this.”
There are now only two matches left in this phase, but they have already guaranteed a place in the top 24, and are very close to securing a slot in the first eight that would mean by-passing the play-offs.
“It was quite a difficult match for me to play today, as my aunt died yesterday and I wanted to dedicate the goal to her,” revealed Pedro.
“She is someone I loved very much.”