LOTITO RUES LACK OF MATURITY

Lazio president Claudio Lotito believes a lack of maturity is costing his team dearly this season.

The Biancocelesti travel to Sicily to meet Catania on Saturday afternoon, looking to bounce back from their surprising 3-0 home loss to Chievo last weekend.

The result ended Lazios positive run of three consecutive victories.

Consistency has been a problem for Lazio this season and Lotito is unimpressed.

He said: "I want my team to show more maturity on the pitch.

"I want to see us more determined, humble and united.

"We cannot approach a game like we did against Chievo thinking we're superior and that the work is done before we've played."

With Lazio not having had the distraction of European football this season, having finished a disappointing 12th in the standings last term, Lotito had hoped his team would have a big say on t hold the last European qualifying spot.

"I'm simply not happy with my team's attitude," added Lotito. "There's a lack of maturity.

"You achieve your aims through mental strength and I didn't see that against Chievo.

"My team had a drop in concentration and I don't want that to happen again."

With games against Roma, Inter Milan and Juventus awaiting Delio Rossi's side before the season is over, Lazio will have to start to show some consistency if they wish to play in Europe next season.

"We have 10 finals left to play," said Lotito. "I expect my players to realise the importance of every game and to give everything they have."

Opponents Catania go into the encounter at the Stadio Angelo Massimino inspired by their 1-1 draw at in-form Udinese.

The Sicilians have lost just once in their last five games and are 13th in the table with a 10-point gap to the drop zone.

"We are satisfied with what we have done so far this season," said Catania coach Walter Zenga. "At this stage of the campaign, every point counts and you have to work hard to take home a result."

Zenga now hopes his team can end their poor run of results at home this weekend.

"It's important that we start winning at home," he said. "Home advantage will be crucial in the final 10 games of the campaign and the sooner we get back to winning ways, the closer we will be to our aim of maintaining our Serie A status."

The Islanders have lost four of their last five games in Catania but they will be confident of success having beaten Lazio at home in the last two seasons.

The hosts will be without injured trio Takayuki Morimoto, Ezequiel Carboni and Davide Baiocco.

Lazio welcome back goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, who has recovered from a knock.

However, Rossi will be without the services of suspended defender Aleksandar Kolarov and Brazilian midfielder Matuzalem, who is out with a muscular problem.

The visitors will play with Goran Pandev alongside Tommaso Rocchi in attack.

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Preview : Catania vs Lazio

Kick-Off: Saturday, March 21, 18:00 CET, Stadio Angelo Massimino, Catania

Catania Closing In On Survival

Following some up and down form over the course of the season, Walter Zenga’s side currently find themselves just a couple of victories away from almost certain survival. After making his objectives clear from the start of the campaign the Elefanti coach will want nothing more than see out the achievement with a couple of rounds to spare. Catania have shown huge potential this term and with Serie A safety in the bag, the club will have added time to build for next season.

After the draw away to Udinese last weekend Catania will have felt they missed an opportunity after going ahead only to concede in the final quarter of the game. With a number of players such as Takayuki Morimoto and Giuseppe Mascara enjoying fine form of late, the Rossazzurri have returned to their free-flowing football, which saw them begin the campaign in such fine fashion.

With island rivals Palermo just eight points ahead in the standings, Catania will be aware that a flurry of good form could well see them occupying a similar position; come the end of the season. Should Zenga’s men take another important scalp in the form of Lazio, it could well give them the momentum they need to push them back into the top ten. Such a finish would signal a remarkable campaign, for a club that have never finished higher than eighth in the top flight.

Two Steps Forward One Step Back

After an impressive return of form following four wins on the trot, the mood has dampened somewhat in the Lazio camp after last week’s blackout at home to Chievo. With the opportunity to make another step forward towards the lucrative fourth spot, the Biancocelesti quite literally froze, and were instead handed a heavy lesson from a Chievo side who showed far more spirit and determination on the day.

It is not the first time that such a display has bemused the Aquilotti faithful this season, and previous setbacks against Milan and Roma had also cost Lazio dearly in making a jump in the standings. Many such as former Lazio coach Eugenio Fascetti have placed the phenomenon down to a lack of mental strength, which causes the side to slip up unexpectedly during a period of good form. Following the passive performance from the whole side against Chievo it was quite clear that coach Delio Rossi could do little to avoid the shock defeat.

In light of Lazio’s tendency this season to slip into a trend of positive or negative form, Rossi will be eager to get his men to bounce back immediately, starting with the trip south to Sicily. Given his side’s superior form on the road this season, the Lazio tactician will be confident that he can mastermind a positive result that would see the Biancocelesti remain in the hunt for a UEFA cup place. With only ten rounds left to play, the Aquilotti cannot afford any more blackouts, if they want to sign off the season as a success.

FORM GUIDE

Catania

15 March: Udinese 1-1 Catania

8 March: Catania 0-3 Siena

1 March: Palermo 0-4 Catania

22 February: Catania 2-1 Reggina

15 February: Chievo 1-1 Catania

Lazio

15 March: Lazio 0-3 Chievo

8 March: Napoli 0-2 Lazio

3 March: Lazio 2-1 Juventus (Coppa Italia)

28 February: Lazio 2-0 Bologna

22 February: Lecce 0-2 Lazio

TEAM NEWS

Catania

Walter Zenga still has a few selection problems as he confirms the starting XI that played in last weekend’s draw away to Udinese. Davide Baiocco, Morimoto and Ezequiel Carboni are all still out due to injury. Jorge Martinez partners Mascara in the forward line.

Probable Starting XI (4-4-2-): Bizzarri; Capuano, Stovini, Silvestre, Potenza; Tedesco, Biagianti, Ledesma, Izco; Mascara, Martinez

Lazio

Rossi looks set to confirm the backbone used in last weekend’s defeat with Chievo. Fernando Muslera and Francelino Matuzlem are still both in doubt however, as the pair both recover from knocks. Muslera's absence could pave the way for a possible return of Juan Pablo Carrizo between the sticks. Alexander Kolarov is suspended following his red card last weekend, whilst Ousmane Dabo is sidelined through injury.

Probable Starting XI (4-4-2): Muslera, De Silvestri, Cribari, Siviglia, Lichtsteiner; Brocchi, Ledesma, Matuzalem, Foggia; Pandev, Zarate

PLAYERS TO WATCH

After scoring another gem last weekend against Udinese, all eyes will be on Giuseppe Mascara as he starts to gain a reputation for his long distance shooting. The Sicilian forward has been a revelation this term, and with nine goals to his name and some of the bigger clubs are starting to take note. With Mascara’s ability to score from a sniper’s range, Muslera will surely be wary not to venture too far off his line.

Pasquale Foggia has proved himself as an integral part of the Lazio side with a string of hearty performances over the past month. So much so, that he is set to earn a return to the Azzurri setup in the forthcoming qualifiers at the end of March. The Neapolitan native has found much joy in his new wide position and with Marcello Lippi monitoring his progress he will surely give his all against the Elefanti.

PREDICTION

With some fluctuating performances in recent weeks, it is hard to predict which Catania side will show up on the day. If Zenga’s side can get their noses in front first, they have every chance of overcoming a Lazio side which are starting to display earlier signs of weakness at the back.

Given Lazio’s impressive form on the road this season however, I feel Delio Rossi’s men will have what it takes to just edge the home side and take the spoils back to Rome.

Catania 1-2 Lazio

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Lotito : Zarate & Pandev Are Not For Sale...!!

The chief has denied reports linking his premier assets with a move away from the Olimpico...

Lazio president Claudio Lotito has rubbished reports linking Mauro Zarate and Goran Pandev with a move to Fiorentina.

Reports in the Italian press had suggested Viola sporting director Pantaleo Corvino was ready to wheel and deal with the Bianconcelesti for their striking duo. However, Lotito has scoffed at the reports surrounding his players, insisting they are not for sale.

"Zarate and Pandev to Fiorentina? I have never been contacted by the Tuscan club, it's strange that this news is going around," Lotito told Datasport.it.

"Fiorentina have [Alberto] Gilardino and [Adrian] Mutu up front. I think it's just the media creating these stories.

"We have a good relationship with Corvino, and he would have called me if they were interested in my players."

Reports have also claimed coach Delio Rossi's would be given the chop, but Lotito has once again moved in to correct the rumours.

"Lazio have a project with Rossi. He is a great professional, and someone who has given Lazio added value," added the chief.

"Our coach represents the past, present and future."


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Rossi : I think every match is an adventure to be lived

The Biancocelesti's coach has said consistency is the key ahead of tomorrow afternoon's game against Catania...

Lazio travel to Sicily tomorrow to face Catania and the Biancocelesti will be looking to shake off last weekend's humiliating 3-0 defeat at home to Chievo Verona.

It is a match that sees two sides who are capable of great things on their day but who are also prone to slumping to inexplicable defeats and Lazio boss Delio Rossi has had enough.

Il Corriere dello sport, covering his pre-match press conference, reported what he said.

“Catania are a side that can change according to the nature of their opponents, and that is because [the Sicilians’ boss Walter] Zenga has got them going with the right mentality.”

After Lazio’s last game, where they lost to Chievo at home, Rossi tried to keep things simple, “I just told them they played
badly and had to go out next time to show that it won’t happen again.

“The bones of this side are solid, but one or two new acquisitions could improve it,” he maintained, “I think every match is an adventure to be lived, and I try not to worry overmuch about our league position, or UEFA Cup qualification.”

Turning to the game and the club’s injury list, the boss said, “[Francelino] Matuzalem and [Stephan] Lichtsteiner, may not make it but, [Fernado] Muslera, [Simone] Del Nero and [Maurado] Meghni should be back.

He concluded by talking about Emilson Cribari, whose outburst after being substituted did not please his coach. “I would have said what he did to the team first, and then to the outside world, but he was letting off steam.”

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Zarate Still Stay at Lazio

The Aquile have to to pay €8 million by the end of April to secure the striker’s permanent signing, and the man who brought him to Rome foresees no problems...

Lazio signed Argentine hitman Mauro Zarate on loan from Qatar side Al-Sadd last summer with an option to secure his services on a permanent basis by paying an initial sum of €8 million by April 30.

There have been reports that Biancocelesti President Claudio Lotito will soon travel to Qatar to finalise the deal, but several sources suggest that the Italian capital club should hurry up, as the Argentine’s exploits have drawn interest from a number of sides, including Fiorentina, Real Madrid and Manchester City.

However, FIFA agent Jose Alberti, who brokered the deal to take the ‘Zarate Kid’ to Lazio, is confident everything will go smoothly.

“The other party [Al-Sadd] is very keen to respect the agreement reached with Lazio,” Alberti told the Corriere della Sera.

“Therefore, if everything will be settled out, ‘Maurito’ will continue playing in Rome.”

Zarate has made 30 apperances in all competitions so far this season, netting 11 goals.

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Lazio Targeting Van Bommel

Lazio are weighing up the pros and cons of signing Bayern Munich midfielder Mark Van Bommel this summer, according to the Italian Press. Bayern have offered Van Bommel to the Biancocelesti as a sweetener in a deal for Goran Pandev, the Macedonia striker. Lazio have made efforts to sign the 31-year-old Dutchman before, most notably in March 2002 and the summer of 2006. Van Bommel's contract is set to expire in June and Bayern know Lazio need a midfielder with grit and personality. The Biancocelesti may have other ideas, though. Delio Rossi is keen to bring in another Dutchman, namely PSV Eindhoven winger Ibrahim Afellay. The 22-year-old, who can also play as a second striker, is believed to have a minimum fee release clause of £11m. Afellay has been capped 14 times by Holland and is one of the hottest talents in Dutch football. Fiorentina are also following his progress.

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Preview : Catania - Lazio

Serie A Week 29 - 21/3/09 (17.00 UK)
Catania - Lazio
Stadio Massimino
After a weekend to forget, Lazio will look to get back to winning ways against a Catania side also plagued by inconsistency. Catania are an enigma. The Sicilians have only managed a draw and a defeat since their heroic derby rout of Palermo and are one of Serie A’s most unpredictable outfits. The Etnei drew 1-1 with Udinese last weekend after shipping a second-half equaliser. Pasquale Marino’s side are 13th and seem to be clear of the relegation mire, but on 34 points they can’t afford to take anything for granted. Two more wins should secure another season in the top flight, but any designs on UEFA Cup qualification will have to wait for next season. Lazio are also a mysterious side. The Biancocelesti had been on superb form with three consecutive wins, but they were humiliated 3-0 by lowly Chievo last Sunday. While the result was an embarrassment, Lazio are still in eighth place and firmly in UEFA Cup contention. The main task for Delio Rossi is to prevent his defence leaking goals – they have so far conceded 40 times this term. Rossi is assured of a new contract and has been told he is the future of Lazio, but European football will make for a much brighter future. Last year Catania beat Lazio 1-0 as the ill disciplined Biancocelesti had two men sent off. Pasquale Foggia’s late goal was decisive for Lazio in Week 10. Takayuki Morimoto is injured, while Ezequiel Carboni and Davide Baiocco are suspended for Catania. Lazio men Simone Del Nero, Mourad Meghni and Ousmane Dabo are sidelined. Keep an eye on: Giuseppe Mascara (Catania) – The Etnei marksman is building a reputation for the spectacular and his strike against Udinese last weekend almost matched his 40-yarder against Palermo. Last season: Catania 1-0 Lazio Form guide: Catania (D W W L D) Lazio (D W W W L)
Catania (probable): Bizzarri; Potenza, Silvestre, Stovini, Capuano; Izco, Ledesma, Biagianti, Tedesco; Martinez, Mascara Lazio (probable): Muslera; Lichtsteiner, Siviglia, Cribari, De Silvestri; Brocchi, Ledesma, Matuzalem, Foggia; Pandev, Zarate Ref: To follow...

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CIAO LONGO...

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Brocchi, "our objective must be to reach the UEFA Cup".

The Biancocelesti suffered a humiliating 3-0 home defeat on Sunday afternoon to see their Champions League qualification hopes vanish. Lazio midfielder Christian Brocchi was far from impressed with his team's performance against Chievo Verona at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

Brocchi believes that this is a common problem for the Biancocelesti when they play at home and things need to change if they want to achieve their objectives this season.

"Today we did not manage to find neither the right move nor the right movements against Chievo," admitted the former Milan player to Sky.

"We started the match with some difficulty, as it often happens to us against those teams who defend themselves and rely on counterattack.

"We know what are our qualities and limits are, and not knowing how to take the counter measures in these occasions represents a limit which we must try to eliminate.

"Until yesterday there was also talk about the Champions League, but our objective must be to reach the UEFA Cup."

Lazio slipped down to eight place as they currently have 41 points from 28 games played, five points behind Roma and a UEFA Cup spot.
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REVIEW : LAZIO - CHIEVO 0-3

Team News

Delio Rossi confirmed the winning formula used in last weekend’s clash with Napoli with Tommaso Rocchi starting yet again from the bench despite his impressive brace against the Partenopei. A win for the home side would edge them closer to the UEFA zone and keep the positive momentum going.

Mimmo Di Carlo opted to field ex-Lazio forward Stephen Makinwa in the frontline from the off, following his debut goal against Cagliari last Sunday. The Nigerian international had something to prove on his return to the Olimpico after failing to impress in season’s past in the Capital.

First Half
Lazio paid their respects to former President Ugo Longo who passed away during the week after suffering a long term illness. Both sides shared in a minutes silence around the centre circle to remember a man who contributed to Lazio’s recent survival; following the clubs financial crisis in the post-Cragnotti period.

Chievo started with a high tempo pressing game as they look to hurry the home side on every occasion. Girardi set his own marker as he waved on numerous fouls in the opening minutes in a bid to get the match flowing.

After just 16 minutes Makinwa pulled a hamstring after a quick sprint onto a through ball and the Nigerian was forced off early, further underlining his misfortune in the Capital.

On 26 minutes the away side took the lead after a great ball from the right from Marcolini found a towering Bogdani in the box. The Chievo substitute headed home wonderfully to gift his side a vital lead.

Less than sixty seconds later the Gialloblu had doubled their lead as Pellissier was set through on a goal with just Siviglia to beat. The Chievo captain rounded the Lazio stopper and floated the ball coolly past an advancing Muslera leaving the home crowd stunned after a quick double blow.

Lazio were stunned and made heavy work of building up a well worked attack which would enable them to break through the well organised Chievo defence.

On 38 minutes the home side finally showed some initiative in attack as Zarate played a wonderful give-and-go with Foggia on the edge of the box. The Chievo backline held strong however to block the subsequent shot from the young Argentine.

In the dying seconds of the half the home side went excruciating close as Foggia rounded his marker in the box bringing the ball onto his right foot and curling a great shot goal-bound at the far post. Fortunately for the visitors Sorrentino read the shot well to steer the ball just wide of the post.

Second Half

Delio Rossi wasted no time in making changes after the break and he introduced Rocchi and Mauri to give his side more depth going forward off the ball.

The home side continued to make heavy work of threatening the visitors goal as they attacked with little pace or urgency.

On the hour mark Chievo should have added a third to their haul when Bogdani found himself alone in front of Muslera from close range. The Albanian could not compose himself and his scuffed effort was smothered by a composed Muslera.

The game took a turn for the worse on 65 minutes when Girardi brandished a red card to Alexander Kolarov for a tactical foul on Yepes. After allowing play to run on for almost an hour Girardi had immediately increased his severity in decisions to the fury of the Lazio bench.

Lazio continued to push forward in search of a goal but it proved more and more difficult to test Sorrentino as Chievo started to get men behind the ball as they looked to protect their precious lead.

With seven minutes left on the clock Chievo sealed the victory when Colucci served Pellissier at the back post. The Italian tapped in from close range for his second of the game and the home side had clearly been made to pay dearly for Kolarov’s sending off early in the half.

The Flying Donkeys held out for the final minutes taking a precious three points back to Verona. With Torino and Bologna both suffering defeats the Gialloblu climbed out of the danger zone for the first time this season. Lazio were left to rue a bad day at the office and an opportunity to make further advances towards Europe.

Goals:
27’ Bogdani (C)
28’ Pellissier (C)
84’ Pellissier (C)

Teams

Lazio (4-4-2): Muslera, Lichtsteiner, Cribari, Siviglia (Rozehnal 82’), Kolarov (Sent off 65'); Brocchi (Mauri 45’), Ledesma, Matuzalem Foggia; Pandev (Rocchi 45’), Zarate,

Chievo (4-1-3-2): Sorrentino; Frey, Morero, Yepes, Mantovani; Rigoni; Marcolini, Pinzi, Luciano (Colucci 72’); Makinwa (Bogdani 19’), Pellissier (Sardo 87’)
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Cribari : I Will Leave Lazio..

Lazio defender Emilson Cribari has told President Claudio Lotito he might as well not pay him from now until the end of the season, such is his desire to leave the club.

The 28-year-old Brazilian, who has been with the Biancocelesti since 2005, broke down in tears after his side lost 3-0 at home to Chievo yesterday afternoon.

Cribari had a nightmare of a game and was booed off by the fans when he was substituted with eight minutes remaining.

“I will leave Lazio at the end of the championship,” an emotional Cribari told journalists. “I have decided that I will speak with the President.

“If Lotito wants he can even keep the last three or four months of my wages, it's honestly not a problem with me.”

The former Empoli and Udinese centre-back then reassured his teammates and Lazio's fans that he would still contribute to the team when called upon.

“I will do my bit if I come to be selected from now until the end of the season. But when the campaign comes to a close I will ask to leave.

“I've been thinking about this for a while now. I no longer feel wanted here,” Cribari concluded in tears.

Cribari has made 15 appearances for Lazio this season and is widely regarded as a vital cog in their defence. Read More..