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LAZIO, Interest for Vangioni

Lazio seem interested in Newell's old Boys' 22 year old midfielder Leonel Vangioni. The player has the same agent of the Roman team gaolkeeper Carrizo, and would be perfect in De Rossi's squad.

LAZIO, Matuzalem's agent: "Francelino wants to remain"

Interviewed by Radio Erre 2, Lazio midfielder Francelino Matuzalem's agent Umberto Fusco, has declared: "Lazio has a right a ransom, previously agreed with Real Zaragoza, if they will want to they will sign him without any problem. Chairman Lotito obtains what he wants, he has tracked Matuzalem for two years and finally he made it. The player was signed on loan with right of ransom not because the club didn't trust in him but cause of an intelligent strategy of Lotito. If I consider that he is admiring the player for what he is doing on the field, I don't the see why he shouldn't sign him definetely, as he has done with everybody, excluding Bianchi. I can't tell the exact amount of the agreement but my sensation is that Francelino will remain. We are available to this solution".

Lazio president Lotito: Rossi our future

Lazio president Claudio Lotito insists coach Delio Rossi's situation is not under discussion.
"The confirmation of Rossi is not in the slightest question. He is the our present and will be our future, regardless of the Coppa Italia," said Lotito.
"The contract? At the end of the season we will discuss money and go forward

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PREVIEW : NAPOLI - LAZIO

Kick-Off: Sunday, March 8, 15:00 CET, Stadio San Paolo, Napoli

Napoli In Free-fall

Following last Saturday’s defeat at the hands of Juventus, Napoli’s ‘crisis’ became very much a reality as they slipped down to eleventh in the standings for the first time this season. After an incredible first half to the campaign, the wheels seem to come off the Reja wagon, which after struggling on the road this season is now falling short even at home.

After imposing the players spend the past few weeks in ritiro, (forcing them to spend the night together at the training complex) it was hoped that the results on the pitch would have improved by now. Seeing that the negative trend has continued however, the club has decided to scrap the punishment and allow the squad to have their freedom back. In wake of last weeks defeat, Napoli DS Pier Paolo Marino confessed his side were doing just fine when they were living the “dolce vita”. The imposed ritiro was clearly doing more damage than good and it remains to be seen how the ‘newly liberated’ players will respond on Sunday.

Napoli are running out of time if they are to save their ever-fading season. A defeat against the Biancocelesti would see them drop six points behind a direct rival for the UEFA cup and possible twelve points from sixth place. The Partenopei have the perfect opportunity to turn things around, against a Lazio side who have proven it is possible to bounce back, from a seemingly endless losing streak. A win against the Aquile would not only stop the rot but could also prove vital for Reja’s future at the club.

Biancocelesti Back On Track

After a disastrous start to the second half of the season which saw Lazio record four straight defeats, the tide seems to be turning for Delio Rossi’s men following back to back wins against Lecce and Bologna. Coupled with a moral boosting Coppa Italia semi-final victory over Juventus in midweek, it looks as if the Biancocelesti may have re-discovered their winning formula.

Following Lazio’s disastrous drop in form, Delio Rossi had come under fire with his impending contract set to expire in the summer. After having tweaked his side back to a 4-4-2 system in favour of the unbalanced trident however the Lazio coach deserves full credit for their changing fortunes. With the timely return of Francelino Matuzalem, the Aquilotti are now able to express themselves openly in attack with far less exposure in defence. With the new-found partnership of Ledesma and Matuzalem, Delio Rossi now has a third dimension to his side that was clearly missing earlier in the season.

With the renewed possibility of reaching sixth place, Lazio will be determined to put in another fighting performance and achieve a third successive league victory. Napoli may be in ‘crisis’ but Lazio will be wary of the ‘wounded animal’ after having fallen victim to Bologna, Milan, Roma and Udinese; all in similar positions earlier in the season. If Delio Rossi’s men are lose their ‘Red Cross’ affiliation following such acts of charity against teams in ‘crisis’, then they must return to Rome with nothing less than three points on Sunday.

FORM GUIDE

Napoli

28 February: Juventus 1-0 Napoli

21 February: Napoli 0-1 Genoa

15 February: Napoli 1-1 Bologna

8 February: Palermo 2-1 Napoli

1 February: Napoli 2-2 Udinese

Lazio

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

28 February: Lazio 2-0 Bologna

22 February: Lecce 0-2 Lazio

14 February: Lazio 1-1 Torino

8 February: Fiorentina 1-0 Lazio

TEAM NEWS

Napoli

Edy Reja has a few selection problems and as a result looks set to start with new arrival Jesus Datolo alongside Manuele Blasi and Walter Gargano in midfield. Luigi Vitale joins Gennaro Iezzo, Matteo Gianello, Francesco Montervino and Matteo Contini in the infirmary.

Probable Starting XI (4-3-2-1): Navarro; Santacroce, Cannavaro, Rinaudo, Aronica; Blasi, Gargano, Datolo; Hamisk, Denis; Lavezzi

Lazio

Delio Rossi looks set to confirm the winning formula used in last weekend’s clash with Bologna. Mauro Zarate returns to the side after missing the Coppa Italia victory through suspension. Juan Pablo Carrizo is set to remain on the bench, although the away trip to Napoli had been signalled as a possible opportunity for his return between the sticks. Ousmane Dabo, Modibo Diakite and Mourad Meghni are all nursing injuries and will therefore not make the trip south.

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

PLAYERS TO WATCH

With comparisons being made between himself and Zarate this week, Ezequiel Lavezzi will be keen to demonstrate why he is ‘King of Naples’ as he comes head to head with Zarate’s Lazio. After struggling to inspire his side in recent weeks, ‘El Pocho’ will have felt aggrieved to have had a goal unfairly ruled out in last weeks defeat to Juve. As Napoli’s slump continues to drag on, the Partenopei faithful are looking to Lavezzi for a way out.

Francelino Matuzalem has been inspirational of late for the
Biancocelesti as he continues to form a perfect midfield partnership with Cristian Ledesma. The Brazilian who missed out on the first half of the season through injury is keen to make up for lost time in convincing Lotito to sign him on a permanent basis for next season. Still yet to score for Lazio this term, the ex-Napoli playmaker has vowed not to hold back his celebrations should he score against his former club.

PREDICTION

After being starved of a victory at the San Paolo since January 11th, Napoli will be desperate to achieve a positive result that would see them overcome their recent crisis. With the arrival of an in-form Lazio side it looks set to be another difficult test for the Azzurri.

The visitors look to have overcome their recent crisis and with a European slot now back on the horizon, Delio Rossi’s men will be determined to keep their momentum going. Given the different fortunes of both sides going into the encounter, I feel the visitors will just edge Napoli and pile further pressure on Edy Reja.

Napoli 1-2 Lazio
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Marcello Lippi Observes Lazio Training (Lazio – Fontana Liri 10-0)

Lazio have hit a good vein of form, winning their past three matches against Lecce, Bologna, and Juventus in impressive manner.

Italy boss Marcello Lippi was seen at the Formello training ground, watching the Biancocelesti' s usual midweek friendly, perhaps doing some scouting for his Azzurri side.

The most likely candidate for a call-up would be midfielder Pasquale Foggia, who has been instrumental in Lazio's recent success. Meanwhile, other possibilities could be young left-back Lorenzo De Silvestri and striker Tommaso Rocchi, who scored against Juventus.

Foggia earned two caps for Italy under coach Roberto Donadoni, while Rocchi was part of La Nazionale's Olympic squad this summer and has also added three senior caps to those appearances in his career. De Silvestri has only appeared at the Under-21 level.

The World Cup winning coach was greeted with applause and spoke to several Lazio players in the company of sporting director Igli Tare and president Claudio Lotito.

Lazio – Fontana Liri 10-0 (3-0)

Lazio. Primo tempo: Carrizo, De Silvestri, Tuia (20' Sperati), Rozenhal, Radu; Brocchi, Perpetuini, Kasami, Mauri; S.Inzaghi, Zàrate. All.: D. Rossi

Fontana Liri. Primo tempo: Selvini, De Ciantis, Cinelli, Pagnani, Quattruci, Pettorini, Iarusci, Bisarra, Raponi, Russo, Tomaselli.

Lazio. Secondo tempo (33'): Muslera, De Silvestri, Siviglia, Cribari, Kolarov; Foggia, Brocchi, Mauri, Manfredini; Rocchi, Pandev.

Fontana Liri. Secondo tempo: Gabriele, Bianchi, Tropuini, Reali, Iafrati, Brandi, Cangano, Buttarozzi, Giurini, Venditti, Casinelli.

Goalscorers (FH.): .32', 41' Mauri, 43' S.Inzaghi
Goalscorers (SH.): 7', 26', 29' Pandev, 10', 19', 23' Rocchi, 13' Foggia.

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Player Rating : Lazio vs Juventus

Lazio defeated Juventus 2-1 in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi final at the Stadio Olimpico. Goal.com rates the participants...

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LAZIO

Muslera - 6.0: Did not have too many saves to make, but did all that was required of him, and was safe on crosses. Faultless on Iaquinta's goal.

Lichtsteiner - 7.0: Has been excellent for most of the season, and was again tonight. Linked up well with Foggia down the right, and it was his shot that led to Pandev's equaliser. A real fighter.

Siviglia - 6.5: After a shaky start, composed himself, and formed a solid partnership with Cribari.

Cribari - 7.5: Superb at the back. Amauri was a ghost for long spells of the game, and much of this was thanks to Cribari, who also covered well.

Kolarov - 6.5: Was fortunate to get away with possibly playing Iaquinta onside early on, but was solid thereafter, and his long shots and set-pieces were always a weapon.

Foggia - 7.5: A little quiet in the first half, but sensational after the break, as he crucified Molinaro, hit the crossbar, and forced a stunning save out of Manninger.

Matuzalem - 6.5: Had numerous efforts on goal, and was really fired up. A key reason why Lazio dominated the second half.

Ledesma - 6.5: His passing was spot-on as usual, and he would have scored with a free kick were it not for a brilliant Manninger save.

Manfredini - 5.5: Not the best of games for Manfredini, who made little headway down the left, and whose poor defensive header led to Marchionni's goal. Lazio improved after he was substituted.

Rocchi - 8.0: Only playing because of Zarate's absence, and what a replacement he was. The forward's movement caused all kinds of problems and, as well as forcing a number of saves out of Manninger, he scored the winner.

Pandev - 8.0: Disappointing in the first half, but a man possessed after the break, scoring Lazio's equaliser, and providing an inch perfect pass for Rocchi's winner.

Substitutes

Mauri - 7.0, De Silvestri - N/A, Brocchi - N/A

JUVENTUS

Manninger - 8.0: May have conceded two, but Manninger was the only reason Juventus weren't humiliated this evening. Pulled off at least two world class saves from Ledesma and Foggia, as well as a host of other stops.

Grygera - 6.0: Sound in the first half against Manfredini, but had trouble marking Mauri when he was introduced after the break.

Mellberg - 5.0: Did his best to imitate Philippe Senderos tonight. Very clumsy, slow off the mark, executing a number of poor clearances.

Chiellini - 5.0: Solid enough in the first half, but had real trouble against Rocchi in the second period, and allowed the striker to nip in behind him for the winner.

Molinaro - 5.5: One of Juve's most impressive players in the opening 45 minutes but, like most of his team-mates, must have banged his head during the half time interval. Did provide the cross for Marchionni's goal.

Marchionni - 6.5: Started excellently, creating Iaquinta's early chance and opening the scoring with a volley. Marchionni then disappeared into the Eternal City sky.

Sissoko - 6.0: Started the game imperiously, but then just went through the motions and appeared to be saving himself for the 'derby' and Chelsea.

Tiago - 6.0: Calm and assured in the first half, supplying the pass for Iaquinta's disallowed goal. However, after the break the Portuguese was passed through at will, leading to Ranieri replacing him with Poulsen.

Nedved - 5.0: Involved in the build-up to Marchionni's goal but, aside from this, did very little. Ranieri surely should have rested the veteran with the Chelsea game in mind.

Iaquinta - 7.0: Juventus' best outfield player tonight. Shot just wide on three minutes, had a goal contentiously disallowed and, of course, scored another that stood. Given no service during Juve's second half horror show.

Amauri - 4.5: Not a game that Amauri will want to remember in a hurry. One of the Brazilian's worst displays since joining the club last summer. All this in front of Marcello Lippi in the stands.

Substitutes

Marchisio - 5.0, Poulsen - 5.0, Trezeguet - N/A



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VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS : LAZIO JUVENTUS 2-1

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Lazio 2-1 Juventus

Goran Pandev and Tommaso Rocchi valiantly fought back from 1-0 down to beat Juventus 2-1 in the Coppa Italia semi-final.

Both sides rotated their squads to a degree, as the Biancocelesti were without the suspended Mauro Zarate and Amauri forged a new partnership with Vincenzo Iaquinta. Not only the Coppa Italia was at stake here, as just by getting to the Final - assuming Inter beat Sampdoria - Lazio would qualify for the UEFA Cup because the other contenders are already in the Champions League.

In the opening 120 seconds Iaquinta redirected a Marco Marchionni effort on to the side-netting, then after a period of Lazio pressure, Iaquinta tested Nando Muslera from Pavel Nedved's pass.

A precise but central Tommaso Rocchi volley was straight at Alex Manninger, but after 18 minutes Iaquinta was furious when his goal was disallowed for an extremely tight offside decision. Replays suggest the Juventus striker was probably level when Tiago Mendes released the through ball.

Francelino Matuzalem's deflected shot flashed across the face of goal and a long-range Aleksandr Kolarov free kick whistled wide.

Juventus took the lead for a potentially decisive away goal on 34 minutes. Manfredini cleared a cross straight to Marchionni just inside the area, who bounced it on his knee and hit the half-volley which took a deflection on its way past Muslera.

Lazio went very close to an equaliser moments later, as Rocchi let the long ball fall over his shoulder and his strike was beaten away by Alex Manninger at full stretch. Manninger flew across his goal to palm a wonderful Cristian Ledesma free kick off the line.

Momo Sissoko was booked and will be suspended for the second leg in Turin and Rocchi's angled drive was neither a shot nor an assist for Pasquale Foggia at the back post. Nedved threaded through for Marchionni's charged down effort from seven yards.

After the restart Rocchi came sliding on to Manfredini's cross to turn it wide of the near post and Stefano Mauri drilled off target following a poor clearance. Lazio were pouring forward and equalised despite Manninger's best efforts.

The Austrian goalkeeper stuck out a leg to parry Kolarov's strike, but the ball fell to Pandev, who spun round Claudio Marchisio to slot into the bottom corner.

Amauri's counter was charged down in the box, but the Biancocelesti had the wind in their sails and a curling Foggia gem was fingertipped over the bar, while another Foggia stunner practically from the byline thumped the bar and ricocheted on to Manninger.

Foggia spread the play for Mauri, whose angled drive shaved the far post with Manninger rooted to the spot. The goal was coming and Rocchi turned the game around. He out-paced Giorgio Chiellini through the middle and toe-poked Matuzalem's through ball past Manninger.

Lazio earn their first home victory over Juventus since the Coppa Italia in 2004, although anything could still happen in the second leg in Turin on April 22.

Lazio 2-1 Juventus
Scorers: Marchionni 34 (J), Pandev 65 (L), Rocchi 78 (L)
Lazio: Muslera; Lichtsteiner (De Silvestri 79), Siviglia, Cribari, Kolarov; Manfredini (Mauri 53), Ledesma, Matuzalem; Foggia (Brocchi 85); Pandev, Rocchi
Juventus: Manninger; Grygera, Mellberg, Chiellini, Molinaro; Marchionni, Sissoko (Marchisio 58), Tiago (Poulsen 69), Nedved; Amauri (Trezeguet 79), Iaquinta
Ref: Tagliavento


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[BREAKING NEWS] LOTITO IN JAIL..!!

The chief has been dealt a 24 month jail term for some irregularities with the club's shares in 2005...

Lazio president Claudio Lotito faces a lengthy spell in jail after a court in Milan sentenced him to two years behind bars as a result of some dodgy share dealing.

APCOM reports that the tribunal of Milan has punished Lotito for manipulating the club's shares back in 2005 as well as stopping the Consob watchdog agency from carrying out investigations into his dealings.

Another well know businessman Roberto Mezzaroma has also been sentenced, and he will serve a 20 month jail term. Mezzaroma bought shares in the club back in 2005 and was accused with the same offence.

The public prosecutor had asked for a 20 month sentence for Lotito and a 16 month term for Mezzaroma, but the judges ruled for stronger sentences.

Lotito has not reacted to the outcome of the case, but he told Sky Sport Italia of his 'surprise [at the sentence]'.


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PREVIEW COPPA ITALY : LAZIO VS JUVE

Kick-off: Tuesday, March 3, 20:45 CET. Stadio Olimpico, Rome.

Coppa Ambitions

Lazio have done very well in the Coppa Italia so far this term, eliminating Atalanta, Milan in extra time, and Torino in succession.

The last round saw the Biancocelesti comfortable 3-1 winners over the Granata and the club have had two successive 2-0 wins in Serie A that will give them confidence for this tough encounter against Juventus. The two sides met earlier this season in Serie A action drawing 1-1 at the Stadio Olimpico with Christian Ledesma and Olof Mellberg netting to share of the spoils.

In Serie A, Lazio are enduring another inconsistent season. Their early-season form had them touted for Champions League football, but currently they are in eight place, certainly within reach of a spot in the UEFA Cup next season.

For Lazio, the Coppa Italia represents a real opportunity for success this season. Inter and Juventus have other priorities and the other side remaining, Sampdoria, are definitely beatable. Coach Delio Rossi has admitted that Lazio are after the trophy and believes it would be a great gift for the players and fans, who have been deprived of success in recent years.

One major issue in this match will be the absence of star striker Mauro Zarate, but Goran Pandev and Tommaso Rocchi have proven to be a prolific tandem up front in the past.

Other Priorities

Juventus began their Coppa Italia campaign at the last-16 stage, where they were convincing 3-0 winners over Catania with goals from Marco Marchionni, Sebastian Giovinco and captain Alessandro Del Piero.

The next stage against Napoli was a quite different event though, with the match going to penalties after an uninspiring 120 minutes of football. La Vecchia Signora just shaded their opponents by being more accurate from the spot and winning 4-3 on penalty-kicks.

Juventus remain in decent form, but their performances have not been brilliant lately. Barring a 2-0 win over Palermo, they struggled against Napoli, Sampdoria and Catania in Serie A and certainly were outplayed for portions of the match in the 1-0 loss to Chelsea this past Wednesday.

Coach Claudio Ranieri’s eyes will be on other prizes, even if the Coppa Italia would be a nice addition to the trophy cabinet as Juventus have not won the competition since 1995. Despite this, the Bianconeri will not put out their best XI for this match due to the Champions League second-leg clash with Chelsea on the horizon.

FORM GUIDE

Lazio

1 March (Serie A): Lazio 2-0 Bologna

22 February (Serie A): Lecce 0-2 Lazio

14 February (Serie A): Lazio 1-1 Torino

8 February (Serie A): Fiorentina 1-0 Lazio

1 February (Serie A): Lazio 0-3 Milan

Juventus

1 March (Serie A): Juventus 1-0 Napoli

25 February (Champions League): Chelsea 1-0 Juventus

22 February (Serie A): Palermo 2-0 Juventus

15 February (Serie A): Juventus 1-1 Sampdoria

8 February (Serie A): Catania 1-2 Juventus

TEAM NEWS

Lazio

Mauro Zarate, who scored a well-taken brace on the weekend against Bologna, is suspended. Midfielders Mourad Meghni, Simone Del Nero and Ousmande Dabo are all in the treatment room along with long-term absentee Mobido Diakite.

Squad: 1 Carrizo, 2 Lichtsteiner, 3 Kolarov, 5 Brocchi, 8 Matuzalem, 11 Mauri, 13 Siviglia, 17 Foggia, 18 Rocchi, 19 Pandev, 20 Kozak, 21 Inzaghi, 22 Rozehnal, 24 Ledesma, 25 Cribari, 29 De Silvestri 32 Radu, 68 Manfredini, 86 Muslera, 20 Kozak, 21 Inzaghi.

Juventus

The duo of Alessandro Del Piero and Gianluigi Buffon have been given the match off to rest. Another 2006 World Cup winner, Mauro Camoranesi, is not available due to injury.

Meanwhile, defender Nicola Legrottaglie has a minor knock to the knee and will not be risked, and although Jonathan Zebina is nearing a return to full fitness, he will not play in the match either. Overall, expect plenty of rotation from the ‘Tinkerman’.

Squad: 3 Chiellini, 4 Mellberg, 7 Salihamidzic, 8 Amauri, 9 Iaquinta, 11 Nedved, 12 Chimenti, 13 Manninger, 17 Trezeguet, 18 Poulsen, 19 Marchisio, 20 Giovinco, 21 Grygera, 22 Sissoko, 28 Molinaro, 30 Tiago, 32 Marchionni, 41 Ariaudo, 42 Pinsoglio.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Lazio

Winger Pasquale Foggia has had an inconsistent year, often finding himself on the substitutes’ bench. The Milan youth product has shown he is capable of being an influential player and his creativity could be a key for Lazio in this match.

Juventus

Rumours from the peninsula suggest that hitman Vincenzo Iaquinta is not at all happy with his lack of playing time in Turin. The Italian international must make the most of opportunities like these if he is to earn more opportunities on the pitch.

PREDICTION

Although both sides will want to win, Juventus know they have bigger challenges ahead and will rest a number of starters. Lazio may treat the competition a little more seriously and should take a slim home win, leaving plenty left to be decided in the return leg of this semi-final.

Lazio 2-1 Juventus

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Lazio Are On The Right Track

The Biancocelesti continued their resurgence at the weekend, and the club supremo hopes the team can maintain that form till season's end...

Tuttomercatoweb.com reports that Lazio president Claudio Lotito is very happy after his team obtained another three points by beating Bologna on Sunday.

In particular, Lotito was very pleased to see Argentine forward Mauro Zarate back on the score-sheet, as he bagged a brace to end a lengthy goal-drought amid an excellent performance.

"Zarate unblocked himself and now I'm convinced that also the team will start again with the same rhythm of the start of the season," explained the Biancocelesti president.

"We dominated, this team has great quality and I saw a nice flow in our game. A coherent environment has been created inside the dressing room."

Lazio are now tied in seventh place with Cagliari thanks to their 38 points from 25 games played, six points away from a UEFA Cup spot.



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I'd Love To Stay At Lazio - Matuzalem

After their victory against Bologna yesterday Lazio midfielder Francelino Matuzalem applauded his side and said he would be happy to remain in Rome...

Lazio midfielder Francelino Matuzalem still belongs to Real Zaragoza, but yesterday he was very pleased to be playing for Lazio, as they defeated Bologna 2-0.

He told Lalaziosiamonoi.it, “We have to carry on like this, I’m glad with the result and the game, because I have been out for a few months and the team has been going through a rough patch.

“What we managed to do has to be thanks to the whole team, [Mauro] Zarate scored the goals, but we all played a superb match and deserved to win.”

On his recovery from injury, the Brazilian said, “I want to thank my fellow players, who have helped me through this had time, and I want to thank God, for helping me to get back to being able to play."

When he was asked what well happen at the end of the season, when his loan period expires, the South American said, “It’s too soon to talk about that.

“Right now, I just want to do what I can to help the team, and then we will see.

“But I am very comfortable here,” he concluded, “And would be more than happy to stay.”

The win over Bologna takes the Biancocelesti up to eleventh place in the standings.


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Claudio Lotito: We Don’t Fear Anyone

The outspoken Aquile chief was relieved to see his side return to winning ways yesterday and is now hopeful they will resume their march in Serie A.

Lazio defeated Bologna 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico to end a seven-game winless run which had seen the Biancocelesti slide to the right-hand side of the Serie A table. This came much to the delight of the top brass in Rome.

“The team rediscovered themselves and I was pleased with the quality of our football,” President Claudio Lotito is quoted as saying by Italian news agency ANSA.

“I hope that our journey, which started in the first half of the tournament, will not be interrupted again. As I have said a few months ago, this team can challenge anyone. What’s important is that these imponderable factors will not show up again.”

Argentine striker Mauro Zarate finally ended his goal drought yesterday, as he netted a brace 75 days after his last goal in the game with Udinese last December.

“He just went through a diffult period and I am happy for him,” grinned Lotito. “We now hope that the worst is behind us and can look forward to our Coppa Italia semifinal tie with Juventus on Tuesday.

“It’s an important test that can turn around our season, but it’s a shame that Zarate will have to sit out a ban.”

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Bologna Coach Mihajlovic: We Deserved To Lose Against Lazio

It's not often that a coach admits his side were terrible but sometimes you've just got to state the truth...

Bologna coach Sinisa Mihajlovic believes his side deserved to lose after a less than perfect display against Lazio on Saturday night in Rome.

The Rossoblu simply couldn't handle the brilliance of Mauro Zarate and the Argentinean hitman bagged a double to put a dent in Bologna's survival hopes.

In the post-match media scramble, the coach could barely contain his disgust at the manner of the 2-0 defeat and admitted his side didn't deserve to take anything from the game.

"We played very badly today," Mihajlovic told Sky Sport Italia.

"It was a fairly balanced game until the first goal. Zarate cut our legs off. I changed things around in the second half and we improved but then there was no game after the second goal.

"Apart from today, we had done well in our previous games against Udinese, Napoli and Inter, but we deserved to lose today.

"We didn't manage to do anything today, we were poor on the passing and shooting. However, the league is still long and we will fight until the last day of the season," mused the former Lazio player.

"We just have to work more and make less mistakes on the pitch."

Bologna are just two places and one point above the relegation zone in Serie A


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Lazio Ace Foggia: Mauro Zarate Always Makes The Difference

Foggia is delighted and he hopes the good work continues as he praises his team-mate Lazio midfielder Pasquale Foggia has hailed Mauro Zarate's stunning performance against Bologna after the Argentinean hitman grabbed a brace to ensure his side picked up maximum points.

Zarate got the ball rolling for his side with a stunning free kick in the first half and then capped off an all-round performance with his second in ten minutes from time.

However, the protagonist of the match was Foggia. His constinency and work rate from first to final whistle was second to none. The winger is delighted with the result and he hopes his side continue on the right track.

"It was a great result for us tonight in terms of the work rate we put in and our European hopes. We are always improving and we showed it here, we have to continue and then the results will arrive," Foggia told Sky Sport Italia after the game.

"Our objective is Europe and I am certain that we can get their if we carry on like this.

"Zarate has always been great for us and there have never been any doubts over him. Such a player will always make the difference for us at anytime."

Lazio have moved into seventh place in Serie A with the 2-0 result.




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Highlight Lazio Bologna 2-0

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Lazio 2-0 Bologna..!!

A stunning double by Mauro Zarate sent Lazio on their way to picking up maximum points against Bologna. The visitors put up a fight, but it was not enough as the Bianconelesti held on to get their hopes of European football back alive and kicking.

Two excellent goals were the difference between both teams in a highly entertaining clash at the Olimpico on Saturday night. The Rossoblu fought hard, but their finishing was not up to scratch on the night and they were made to pay. The win sees Lazio sneak further towards the Champions League places, while the Emiliani continue to struggle down at the wrong end of the Serie A table. Bologna have failed to win here for the last 12 years. Zarate was like a bus, the goals haven't arrived for 75 days and then two came at once.

First Half

Lazio hadn't won at home for over two months and Bologna came into the match fancying their chances. It was the Rome-based side who began with more intent, Pasquale Foggia's early strike reflected this. However, the left-foot finishing went flying high and wide of the Francesco Antonioli's goal. Delio Rossi has been underfire recently, but he seemed relaxed on the bench as his players began to batter Bologna's goal. A flurry of early chances ensured an entertaining start to the match. It was Foggia who tested Antonioli again with a powerful strike. This time the ball was on target and the goalkeeper needed two attempts to save it. Lazio kept on coming.

Bologna could hardly string a pass together as they struggled to impose themselves on the game. Goran Pandev screamed for a penalty, but appeals were waved away after he was brought down in the box by Manuel Belleri. The challenge was hard, but it wasn't enough to warrant the spot kick. Foggia continued to lead the charge. The winger was outstanding as he took on Salvatore Lanna and cut inside the former Chievo man. He made space for himself to shoot with his right foot, unfortunately for Lazio the effort spun around the wrong side of the far post.

Mauro Zarate began to find his feet and he showed all of his prowess when being fed by Christian Brocchi. The Argentinean hitman turned on a sixpence and struck a curling ball towards the bottom right corner. However, Antonioli was forced to scramble across goal to keep his side from going a goal down. The Emiliani kept on struggling. Both teams cancelled each other out in a display of good defending from the away team and great pressing from Lazio. The Rossoblu's only chance fell to captain Claudio Terzi. A dangerous ball was whipped in from the right Francesco Valiani but Terzi's header was inaccurate and fizzed wide of the mark.

It was always going to take something special to break the deadlock and it was Zarate who provided it for his side. Gabi Mudingayi fouled Pandev on the edge of the box and the referee awarded the free kick. Zarate stepped up and left Antonioli to watch the ball float over his wall and into the net. The keeper hardly moved, he was left struck by the stunning strike. The Argentine scored his first goal since November, and it was his ninth of the season.

Second Half

Bologna coach Sinisa Mihajlovic was not satisfied and it showed. Whatever he said at half time must have worked as his side came out fighting. Sanchez Cribari came in too strong Di Vaio and conceded the free kick. Sergio Volpi stepped up, but his effort was weak and cleared.

Lazio seemed to sit back, Bologna's wholesale substitutions worked as they tried desperately hard to get back into the game. Although Bologna raised their game, they were missing spark in midfield. There was no incisiveness and, more worryingly, nobody to lead by example. Top scorer Di Vaio didn't seem his usual self as he struggled to leave his mark on the game.

As the game moved end to end, it was Lazio who looked more likely to scoring. Zarate should have buried the game when he beat the offside trap to run through. However, his lack of ideas allowed Terzi to narrow the angle and the eventual shot spun off via a wicked deflection. With Bologna chasing the game, the Biancocelesti were just happy to sit back and soak up the pressure. The home side were always dangerous on the break, but they kept on failing in the final third.

With Rossi's men wasting chances, the Rossoblu grew in confidence, but some poor finishing added to frustration as the clock ticked on. Lazio kept on misfiring and coach Rossi took off Pandev and introduced Tommaso Rocchi into the fray. The decision paid off as the former Empoli man played a briliant return pass to Zarate for the striker to grab his and Lazio's second. The Bologna defence stood still as both men worked their magic to kill any hopes the away side had of salvaging a point.

Teams

Lazio 4-4-2: Muslera, De Silvestri, Siviglia, Cribari, Kolarov, Brocchi (Manfredini), Ledesma, Matuzalem (Dabo), Foggia, Pandev (Pandev), Zarate.

Bologna 4-5-1: Antonioli, Belleri, Terzi, Britos, Lanna, Valiani (Mutarelli), Mudingayi, Volpi, Mingazzini, Rodriguez (Marazzina), Di Vaio.

Cards: Mingazzini (Yellow/Bologna), Terzi (Yellow/Bologna), Cribari (Yellow/Bologna), Foggia (Yellow/Lazio)

Goals: Zarate x 2 (Lazio)

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