Petkovic: We did not deserve to lose
Lazio coach Vladimir Petkovic was unhappy that a sole Alberto Paloschi effort and some dogged defending by Chievo saw them lose ground in the title race.
By ESPNSTAR.com staff
The goal by the Milan loanee was enough to hand the Biancocelesti a loss on the night.
Juve registered a draw later and are now six points ahead of Petkovic's side while Napoli could go three points clear with a win at Parma on Sunday.
The Czech tactician, however, felt his side put in the requisite effort to come away with a win and maintained that he had no qualms with his squad selection despite questions being raised as to Hernanes' omission for the game.
"I am convinced I made the right choices, because I needed players who were able to give 100 per cent today [Saturday]," Petkovic told the post-match press conference.
"It was a game we did not deserve to lose. Chievo made the most of their only scoring opportunity, while we wasted far too many.
"As far as I am concerned, the entire squad is at my disposal. It is difficult to play with the same players at the same tempo. Even if it wasn't our best performance, there is no reason to string us up after just one bad game.
"After so many positive rounds, it was bound to happen we'd have a bad day against a difficult opponent who put nine men behind the ball.
"All that really counts is that the team believes and is ready to begin again."
Lazio could get a chance to inflict misery on Juventus in the Coppa Italia as the two sides square off on Tuesday in the semi-final first leg at the Stadio Olimpico.