Even Though Lazio Beat Dortmund 3-1, Simone Inzaghi Didn't Want To Be Big On His Head

Simone Inzaghi (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Lazio coach Simone Inzaghi chose not to be puffed up after his team beat Borussia Dortmund 3-1 in the inaugural match of Group F of the 2020/2021 Champions League at the Olimpico, Rome, Tuesday, October 20 local time.

Even though they can beat, Inzaghi believes Dortmund are still the most favorite team to move from Group F to the knockout stage later.

"This group is open to various finishes. Dortmund are still the favorites, because they are a really great team," Inzaghi told Sky Sport after the match was reported by Antara, Wednesday.

"I am happy to see how my team is facing Dortmund. They are impressive, seeing them in person is even more (impressive). They are great, they have quality," he added.

The victory against Dortmund, Inzaghi admitted, could not be separated from the lessons they learned when they lost 0-3 to Sampdoria in the Italian League at the weekend.

Defender Francesco Acerbi agreed with this, who had the tough task of guarding the movements of Dortmund's sharp striker, Erling Haaland, throughout the match.

"We have to react after the defeat to Sampdoria at the weekend. We deserved to win today. Dortmund have some good players, and we need to play like the team - we did tonight," he said.

#UCL #LazioBVB 📝Mister #Inzaghi in sala stampa: "Serata straordinaria" ➡️ https://t.co/4YgtzahKsA pic.twitter.com/YBRtL1Jwuu

- SSLazio (@OfficialSSLazio) October 20, 2020

Lazio's opener Ciro Immobile expressed his delight in playing in the Champions League.

"It is an emotional night, playing in the Champions League after a long time. We had a perfect match, we are happy. Dortmund is a great team, we need to do great," he said.

#UCL #LazioBVB 🦁 @Acerbi_Fra a fine gara: "Eravamo tutti concentrati, non sono mai stato preoccupato" ➡️ https://t.co/bOSRrn8UKf pic.twitter.com/ViImVbYWXO

- SSLazio (@OfficialSSLazio) October 20, 2020

Victory over Dortmund saw Lazio mark their return to the Champions League after a 13-year absence, leading Group F above Club Brugge on goal difference.

Next week, Lazio are scheduled to travel to Belgium to face Brugge in their next match.