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Ballotta wanted better debut Tuesday 18 September, 2007

Marco Ballotta made his Champions League debut with Lazio at the age of 43, but was disappointed he didn’t celebrate it with victory in Greece.

“In all honesty, looking at the whole game I expected a better result. We were a little scared in the first half, but slowly gained our confidence and created some good chances to win the match,” said the goalkeeper after the 1-1 draw at Olympiakos.

“As debuts go away from home, a point is useful in this competition and a positive start to the Group.”

Lazio are having trouble finding their feet so far this term, as they have drawn three straight Serie A games and had to fight back from 1-0 down for this result in Athens.

“We also struggled at the start of last season, as we need to find our fitness and movements,” assured the shot-stopper.

“We have to get back to the side we were last year, but we have all the characteristics needed and so it will only be a matter of time.”

The fans and media – and to a degree Coach Delio Rossi – complained that the Biancocelesti have not got enough strength in depth to challenge in two competitions.

“For the moment this is the squad and there’s nothing to say we can’t have more come in if they are out of contract. There are 24-25 players and we are slowly growing all together.”

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