Lazio eye Europa lift
Lazio need to lift themselves ahead of their eagerly-anticipated derby against Roma after crashing to a shock loss to Catania last weekend.
Vladimir Petkovic's side, who had been fourth in Serie A, were stunned as they crashed 4-0 to the Rossazzurri.
Petkovic wondered publicly whether players' thoughts had already switched to Sunday's upcoming Rome clash and angrily pointed out there was still Europa League business to take care of first as well.
Lazio host Greek side Panathinaikos, with whom they drew 1-1 last month, hoping to consolidate their position at the top of Group J and Petkovic certainly expects a reaction.
The Bosnian said: ``Now we have to show our character. I hope that after the defeat by Catania there will be improvement.
``What do I expect from the team? Answers will be seen on the field during the game.
``During training I saw anger, the desire to erase the bad time, but the real results can be seen only in the game.''
Despite the desire for a better performance against the Greeks, Petkovic is well aware which game the fans will want to win the most.
He said: ``We will play for the three key points in Europe, but on Sunday there are three golden points.
``I am sorry that such an important match comes only three days after that in the Europa League.''
Lazio are unbeaten in the group after a victory over Maribor and a draw against Tottenham in their other games.
They looked on course for another win in their last meeting against the Greeks but were denied by an injury-time Toche equaliser.
Panathinaikos, thrashed 3-0 by Maribor in their first outing, are looking for their first win having claimed just one other point in a 1-1 draw with Spurs.
After a slow start to their campaign, they go into the game in good heart after another goal from Toche earned them a 1-0 win in their derby with AEK Athens last weekend.