Vladimir Petković: A man after Lazio's own heart

S.S. Lazio fans have become accustomed to outlandish statements from the club's hierarchy. President Claudio Lotito once said that, as nice as it is, the new Juventus Stadium will "look like a lake for ducks" compared with what he had planned for the Rome outfit. It was obvious coach Vladimir Petković was a perfect fit for Lazio when he announced his arrival last summer by saying: "I left my wife in Switzerland so I won't have any distractions here."

Eyebrows were certainly raised when the Biancocelesti secured the services of the Bosnian-born trainer. He was largely unknown in Italy. A well-travelled midfielder as a player, Petković made his name as a coach at AC Bellinzona, gaining broader notice with BSC Young Boys and Samsunspor. He had mixed reviews, leading Young Boys to two Swiss league runners-up finishes before his difficult time in Turkey was cut short.

The 49-year-old, who speaks eight languages, has learned his lessons and tailored his tactics, even if the overall approach remains the same. "Our aim is to dominate our opponents – I love winning and my enthusiasm comes from the heart," he said in his first Italian press conference. Lazio bear Petković's hallmarks, also showing adaptability and proving they can play more cautiously when required.

The method has had its reward. As the season reaches its business end, Lazio are looking forward to May's Coppa Italia final (against either FC Internazionale Milano or AS Roma) and are still just about in the hunt for a UEFA Champions League spot in Serie A. The UEFA Europa League has perhaps been their grandest stage, however. The Roman club approach Thursday's quarter-final first leg at Fenerbahçe SK still unbeaten in the competition, collecting eight wins and four draws, play-offs included.

Petković is confident that game 13 will provide no misfortune, against a Fenerbahçe side he needs no introduction to. "When I was coaching Young Boys we played them [in the 2010/11 UEFA Champions League third qualifying round] – we drew 2-2 at home and won 1-0 in Istanbul," said Petković, who also earned a 0-0 draw at the Şükrü Saracoğlu with Samsunspor in October 2011. "Their fans supported them for the whole 90 minutes, but they're really fair: they applauded us at the end."

Petković would settle for a repeat as he bids to guide Lazio to their first European semi-finals since 2002/03, and since he possesses the tournament's most prolific attack he has cause for confidence. Indeed, his reaction to the draw centred on an impending reunion, as he said: "It's a celebration – I can finally meet Fahrudin Omerović [Aykut Kocaman's assistant and a compatriot] again." Lazio have come to expect the unexpected.