Reja: Juventus clash Europe defining

Lazio coach Edy Reja said he believes his side’s Serie A match against Juventus on Monday will be crucial to their Champions League hopes.

The Romans lost to reigning champions Inter last Saturday, and have struggled against tougher opposition, succumbing to Napoli and Roma in recent outings.

With Udinese a point behind Lazio, Reja has described the upcoming home clash with the Turin side as the most important of the season.

“This will be an essential game if we want to be part of the Champions League next year,” the 65-year-old said.

“The next game can be worth so much for our season with regards to next year’s Champions League and we all know that very well, because from now up until the end of the season we need to win all the games we play.”

Reja’s men find themselves fourth in the league, while Luigi Del Neri’s Juventus are down in seventh place and challenging for a spot in next season’s Europa League.

“The team is with their manager, as (Gigi) Buffon and other players said, they want to end the season in the best way possible so we will surely come up against a determined Juventus,” Reja said.

“They’ll look for a good result because this game is as important for them as it is for us, because places at next year’s European competitions are at stake with this game for them and for us.”