Lazio ready to deliver against Gladbach

Lazio coach Vladimir Petkovic is wary of Borussia Moenchengladbach's numerous threats but believes his side have the edge on form.

The teams meet in Germany on Thursday for the first leg of their UEFA Europa League last-32 tie.

Lazio enter the match on the back of a 1-1 draw with Serie A rivals Napoli, a display which Petkovic believes should serve as a blueprint for what is required from his men. 

"We'll be facing a tough opponent which, despite one minor performance, still got a good result in their last Bundesliga game, a prestigious 3-3 draw against Bayer Leverkusen," Petkovic said.

"Moenchengladbach are a strong team, with discipline and very dangerous on counter-attacks and set pieces. 

"We more or less know our opponent, but as I have said before many times in the past, the opponent's importance is secondary. 

"The paramount point is to play as Lazio played the last game (against Napoli), especially the first 60 minutes. So, we have to deliver a performance like that and improve it, if possible."

Petkovic also took time to praise the managerial skills of opposite number Lucien Favre, highlighting his ability to develop young players and bring clubs forward.

"Lucian Favre is surely one of the most prepared managers coming from Switzerland for decades," he said. 

"He produced excellent results in Switzerland and Germany, first with Hertha Berlin and now with Borussia Moenchengladbach.

"He did so well last year producing some good talents then selling them for millions. He's a very pragmatic manager who always tries to play football."