Pioli: Biglia will start for Lazio against Bayer Leverkusen

The reported Manchester United target recently admitted he could leave the Olimpico but the new club captain is available for the crunch European clash

Lazio boss Stefano Pioli says that Lucas Biglia will lead the club in Tuesday's Champions League showdown with Bayer Leverkusen.

Biglia succeeded Stefano Mauri as club captain earlier this summer but the reported Manchester United target cast some doubt on his future by admitting ahead of the Supercoppa Italiana that he did not know if he would still be at the Stadio Olimpico come the end of the transfer window.

However, Pioli dismissed concerns that the Argentina international's head might be elsewhere on the eve of their first-leg clash with Bayer.

"He will definitely play," the Biancocelesti boss told reporters on Monday.

"He's happy to be Lazio captain and totally available for selection."

Lazio have performed dismally in pre-season, losing three successive friendlies before being outclassed by Juventus in the Supercoppa.

However, while conceding that Bayer represent a formidable test, Pioli is confident that Tuesday's clash will bring the best out of Lazio.

"I honestly believe that what has happened up until now has little value," he added. "We must try to show our worth on the field.

"We must play with spirit and pride. We're facing a team similar to us in terms of characteristics and mentality.

"They're a very competitive side, who played in the Champions League last year.

"We know that tomorrow is only the first half but we want to take an advantage with us to Germany.

"Bayer are a solid team, one to fear and to respect.

"But I have faith in my boys. We're ready to try to reach our objective by overcoming this obstacle."

We appreciate you for reading naijawapbase, but we think it will be better you like our facebook fanpage and also follow us on twitter below.
GET OUR HOT UPDATES DIRECTLY TO YOUR MOBILE PHONE BY TEXTING "FOLLOW Naijawapbase" to 40404