Lecce host struggling Lazio in a game that neither side can afford to lose…
20 Feb 2009 12:42:38
Kick-Off: Sunday, February 22, 15:00 CET, Stadio Via Del Mare, Lecce
Giallorossi Fighting Against The Drop
Following back-to-back defeats against Inter and Cagliari, Lecce are feeling the pressure with the drop zone perilously close. Mario Beretta’s side have never really exploded this season, and consequently the Giallorossi have been in a dogfight throughout the campaign. With a mere four wins in twenty-four games, it is clear that the Salentini find themselves in their current predicament because of an inability to close results in their favour.
Lecce are the only side to have drawn ten games this season and this is an area to address if they are to avoid the drop. Whilst performances such as the 1-0 away defeat to Inter will have filled them with fighting hope, others such as the 1-1 away draw to Chievo tell a much more worrying story. Often in the games against fellow relegation strugglers, the Giallorossi have failed to punish their opponents and make vital strides towards salvation.
Beretta’s men will be aware of Lazio’s current slump when they arrive at the Via Del Mare looking to turn their fortunes around. Lecce will take heart from the fact that the Biancocelesti have struggled all season against smaller opposition, and therefore if they can put in a fighting performance, the Salentini have every chance of some precious points on Sunday.
Lazio Crashing Down To Earth
The situation in the Lazio camp is almost at boiling point after the Biancocelesti’s recent poor run of results. In the last six games, the capital club have amassed a meagre two points and fallen from the UEFA cup places to mid-table obscurity. Following last Saturday’s late draw against Torino at the Olimpico, the squad left the field to widespread booing from the Lazio faithful.
It has become quite clear that Delio Rossi’s era in charge of the Biancocelesti is set to end in June, and this has lead to unrest in a side fighting for identity. With the slump in form starting in the 4-1 embarrassment against Cagliari, it appeared Lazio were struggling because of widespread defensive frailties. More recently the goals have dried up, and with the defence making an improvement, now the lack of goals is costing Lazio precious points.
If Lazio are to avoid another season of discontent, they must turn things around fast. With the Euro chasing sides now a massive ten points ahead, the Aquilotti need to start winning if they are to stand any chance of re-emerging towards the end of the season. Lazio’s primary hope for a place in Europe now looks set to be via the Coppa Italia. With the first semi-final against Juve less than a fortnight away, Delio Rossi’s men need to stop the rot immediately, in order to approach that game in the best possible frame of mind.
FORM GUIDE
Lecce
15 February: Cagliari 2-0 Lecce
7 February: Lecce 0-3 Inter
1 February: Siena 1-2 Lecce
28 January: Chievo 1-1 Lecce
25 January: Lecce 3-3 Lecce
Lazio
14 February Lazio 1-1 Torino
8 February Fiorentina 1-0 Lazio
1 February: Lazio 0-3 Milan
28 January: Sampdoria 3-1 Lazio
25 January: Lazio 1-4 Cagliari
TEAM NEWS
Lecce
Mario Beretta has no selection worries to contend with ahead of Sunday’s encounter. Jose Ignacio Castillo is currently the only player occupying the Lecce infirmary.
Probable Starting XI (4-3-3): Benussi; Esposito, Stendardo, Fabiano, Polenghi; Caserta, Munari, Edinho; Tiribocchi, Cacia, Vives
Lazio
Delio Rossi’s recent selection problems have eased up a little with the return of Mauro Zarate, who missed out last Saturday through suspension. Cristian Ledesma looks set to miss out again this Sunday however due to an ongoing adductor injury whilst Mourad Meghni and Simone Del Nero are also sidelined through injury. Fortunately, the Biancocelesti have no outstanding suspensions ahead of Sunday’s encounter.
Probable Starting XI (4-3-2-1): Muslera, Lichtsteiner, Cribari, Siviglia, Radu; Brocchi, Manfredini, Matuzalem; Foggia, Zarate; Rocchi
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Veteran forward Simone Tiribocchi scored in the reverse fixture at the Olimpico and proved a handful for the shaky Lazio backline. With Lecce looking to capitalise on the Biancocelesti’s frailties on set plays and high crosses, the ‘TIR’ will fancy his chances of scoring another headed goal against Lazio on Sunday.
Fan favourite Mauro Zarate was hailed as the new messiah on the blue side of Rome after his blistering start to the season. Since then however, things have not gone so well for Zarate or Lazio, who have flattered to deceive in the new year. Lazio have undergone a goal drought during the past month and are in desperate need of a return to form from the talismanic youngster. If 'Maurito' get his finishing boots on once more, it is surely only a matter of time before Lazio start winning again.
PREDICTION
With both teams suffering from poor form of late, it could prove to be a cagey affair during the first period. However, both teams are in desperate need of three points and this should lead to an entertaining finish to the game. Given Lazio’s recent inability to score and Lecce’s habit of drawing games this season, it looks set to be another stalemate on Sunday.
Giallorossi Fighting Against The Drop
Following back-to-back defeats against Inter and Cagliari, Lecce are feeling the pressure with the drop zone perilously close. Mario Beretta’s side have never really exploded this season, and consequently the Giallorossi have been in a dogfight throughout the campaign. With a mere four wins in twenty-four games, it is clear that the Salentini find themselves in their current predicament because of an inability to close results in their favour.
Lecce are the only side to have drawn ten games this season and this is an area to address if they are to avoid the drop. Whilst performances such as the 1-0 away defeat to Inter will have filled them with fighting hope, others such as the 1-1 away draw to Chievo tell a much more worrying story. Often in the games against fellow relegation strugglers, the Giallorossi have failed to punish their opponents and make vital strides towards salvation.
Beretta’s men will be aware of Lazio’s current slump when they arrive at the Via Del Mare looking to turn their fortunes around. Lecce will take heart from the fact that the Biancocelesti have struggled all season against smaller opposition, and therefore if they can put in a fighting performance, the Salentini have every chance of some precious points on Sunday.
Lazio Crashing Down To Earth
The situation in the Lazio camp is almost at boiling point after the Biancocelesti’s recent poor run of results. In the last six games, the capital club have amassed a meagre two points and fallen from the UEFA cup places to mid-table obscurity. Following last Saturday’s late draw against Torino at the Olimpico, the squad left the field to widespread booing from the Lazio faithful.
It has become quite clear that Delio Rossi’s era in charge of the Biancocelesti is set to end in June, and this has lead to unrest in a side fighting for identity. With the slump in form starting in the 4-1 embarrassment against Cagliari, it appeared Lazio were struggling because of widespread defensive frailties. More recently the goals have dried up, and with the defence making an improvement, now the lack of goals is costing Lazio precious points.
If Lazio are to avoid another season of discontent, they must turn things around fast. With the Euro chasing sides now a massive ten points ahead, the Aquilotti need to start winning if they are to stand any chance of re-emerging towards the end of the season. Lazio’s primary hope for a place in Europe now looks set to be via the Coppa Italia. With the first semi-final against Juve less than a fortnight away, Delio Rossi’s men need to stop the rot immediately, in order to approach that game in the best possible frame of mind.
FORM GUIDE
Lecce
15 February: Cagliari 2-0 Lecce
7 February: Lecce 0-3 Inter
1 February: Siena 1-2 Lecce
28 January: Chievo 1-1 Lecce
25 January: Lecce 3-3 Lecce
Lazio
14 February Lazio 1-1 Torino
8 February Fiorentina 1-0 Lazio
1 February: Lazio 0-3 Milan
28 January: Sampdoria 3-1 Lazio
25 January: Lazio 1-4 Cagliari
TEAM NEWS
Lecce
Mario Beretta has no selection worries to contend with ahead of Sunday’s encounter. Jose Ignacio Castillo is currently the only player occupying the Lecce infirmary.
Probable Starting XI (4-3-3): Benussi; Esposito, Stendardo, Fabiano, Polenghi; Caserta, Munari, Edinho; Tiribocchi, Cacia, Vives
Lazio
Delio Rossi’s recent selection problems have eased up a little with the return of Mauro Zarate, who missed out last Saturday through suspension. Cristian Ledesma looks set to miss out again this Sunday however due to an ongoing adductor injury whilst Mourad Meghni and Simone Del Nero are also sidelined through injury. Fortunately, the Biancocelesti have no outstanding suspensions ahead of Sunday’s encounter.
Probable Starting XI (4-3-2-1): Muslera, Lichtsteiner, Cribari, Siviglia, Radu; Brocchi, Manfredini, Matuzalem; Foggia, Zarate; Rocchi
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Veteran forward Simone Tiribocchi scored in the reverse fixture at the Olimpico and proved a handful for the shaky Lazio backline. With Lecce looking to capitalise on the Biancocelesti’s frailties on set plays and high crosses, the ‘TIR’ will fancy his chances of scoring another headed goal against Lazio on Sunday.
Fan favourite Mauro Zarate was hailed as the new messiah on the blue side of Rome after his blistering start to the season. Since then however, things have not gone so well for Zarate or Lazio, who have flattered to deceive in the new year. Lazio have undergone a goal drought during the past month and are in desperate need of a return to form from the talismanic youngster. If 'Maurito' get his finishing boots on once more, it is surely only a matter of time before Lazio start winning again.
PREDICTION
With both teams suffering from poor form of late, it could prove to be a cagey affair during the first period. However, both teams are in desperate need of three points and this should lead to an entertaining finish to the game. Given Lazio’s recent inability to score and Lecce’s habit of drawing games this season, it looks set to be another stalemate on Sunday.
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