Petkovic: Lazio aren't afraid of Juventus

Ahead of the Supercoppa Italiana on Sunday the Biancocelesti coach rejects the notion that his side are underdogs, though he accepts that the Bianconeri are Scudetto favourites

Lazio coach Vladimir Petkovic has rejected suggestions Juventus are favourites to win Sunday's Supercoppa Italiana.

The Biancocelesti triumphed over Roma in the Coppa Italia final last season to tee up a clash with the back-to-back Serie A champions a week before the new league campaign commences.

Although Petkovic is aware of the Bianconeri's quality and accepts they are expected to lift a third successive Scudetto in 2013-14, he believes his side can triumph in a one-off match to claim the first piece of silverware of the Italian season.

"The first few games of the season are always an unknown, especially when playing for a trophy," he told Lazio Style Radio. "It comes with many doubts but also some certainties such as the fact that we will do everything to win.

"Finals are not made to play well in - just to win. Juve again this year will be the absolute favourites in Serie A - they have more quality and the best players.

"But, in single games, we are not afraid of anybody and we can play well against everybody. We have made progress, we have been working in this direction.

"The squad has been completed and we can make a good impression."

Lazio kick off their Serie A campaign at home to Udinese on August 25.