Lazio coach Simone Inzaghi conceded that Bayern Munich are almost unplayable ahead of the two sides' Champions League last 16 first leg in Rome on Tuesday, but believes his team are still capable of springing a surprise.
The holders travel to Italy having won six titles in the past nine months, while progressing to the knockout phase of this season's competition after amassing 16 points from a possible 18 in the group stage.
However, Inzaghi believed his side can cause an upset.
"We know that they are almost unplayable, but even in the past we started underdogs and then surprised everyone," Inzaghi told a news conference.
"We are mature, we have played many finals in addition to the quarter-finals of the Europa League. We will try to do our best as we always have.
"The lack of Champions League experience? I think we can cope with it. Matches like the one tomorrow night are why we love football so much."
One ray of hope for Inzaghi has been Bayern's form since returning from their Club World Cup success in Qatar earlier this month.
While Lazio have won seven of their last eight Serie A games, Bayern drew against Arminia Bielefeld and lost to Eintracht Frankfurt in their past two Bundesliga matches.
"Bayern have just become world champions, but in the last two league games they have had a draw and a defeat," the Italian coach added. "Previously, though, they had won six in a row.
"More than Bayern's weaknesses, I'm working on Lazio's strengths. We want to cling to the qualification in any way we can."
(Reporting by Peter Hall; Editing by Christian Radnedge)
