Zarate, Mauri and Muslera in San Vito Romano

Was held this morning at the Teather "Caesar" of San Vito Romano, the expected meeting of representatives of the players with the students of the school "Silvio Pellico" first stage of the "La Lazio in schools." Read More..

Carrizo's Lazio discontent

Argentine international goalkeeper Juan Pablo Carrizo has stressed his frustration at playing second fiddle for Lazio.

The talented shot-stopper arrived in Italy last summer touted as one of the best 'keepers in South America.

However, after a few costly errors, Carrizo was dropped and has been a reserve to Fernando Muslera.

In spite of a lack of Serie A football, the 24-year-old is Diego Maradona's first choice for his country's World Cup 2010 qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia.

“I don't know why I'm still sitting on the bench at Lazio,” Carrizo told the ANSA news agency.

“I have no idea what to think about the whole situation, but at least I can play in two games now and show my ability.”

Carrizo is being tipped to return to his homeland in the summer, but he may also have some European suitors.


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Lotito Furios..!!

Lazio President Claudio Lotito believes something has to change at the club if the Biancocelesti are to get back to winning ways.

Lazio lost 1-0 at Catania on Saturday evening and are now ninth in the table with eight games remaining this season.

The Biancocelesti have now lost their last two games and still have Roma, Inter and Juventus to play before the end of the campaign.

“It is time the team changed its attitude and gave something back to this club which has given it a lot,” Lotito said.

“Everyone is under examination, everyone is responsible, even those who believe themselves to be great champions.

“From now until the end of the championship we need a different approach, otherwise I will take unforeseen and unexpected decisions.

“I will be tough with everyone,” he concluded. “Now they are all on international duty, but when they return, they will realise who Lotito really is.”

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Catani 1-0 Lazio

Serie A Week 29- 21/3/09 (17.00 UK)
Catania 1 - 0 Lazio
Paolucci 24 (C)
Michele Paolucci's goal proved enough to beat Lazio, as Catania goalkeeper Albano Bizzarri saved a Goran Pandev penalty. These two teams are plagued by inconsistency this season, as the Biancocelesti won three on the trot before a 3-0 home humiliation at the hands of Chievo last Sunday. Catania managed to win 4-0 at Palermo then lose in Sicily to Siena. The visitors missed Ousmane Dabo, Francelino Matuzalem and the suspended Aleksandr Kolarov, while Davide Baiocco and Taka Morimoto were out for Catania. Lazio's record here was of six defeats, two draws and just one win in 1961, but surprisingly they dropped Mauro Zarate to the bench. Goran Pandev shinned over from a good position, while Giuseppe Mascara curled two free kicks just inches past the crossbar. Catania had the better chances and took the lead after 24 minutes. It was a classic counter-attack and one created almost by accident, as Mascara threaded through for Pablo Ledesma's dreadful scuffed shot, which turned into an assist for Michele Paolucci at the back post. It was his seventh of the season, a new personal best in Serie A. Sebastiano Siviglia was furious with Paolucci for a supposed elbow and the referee had to separate them. Mascara is accustomed to scoring incredible goals and tried to curl in directly from the corner flag, just clipping the crossbar. Lazio had few opportunities, but threatened an equaliser in first half stoppages when Pasquale Foggia powered a header inches wide of the far upright. Stefan Lichtsteiner's shot took a deflection off Ciro Capuano so it swung towards the near bottom corner, but Albano Bizzarri did brilliantly to readjust his position and parry. That small spell of pressure boosted Lazio's confidence and they were more aggressive at the start of the second half. Only a fantastic one-handed save from Bizzarri prevented Cristian Ledesma's free kick from going under the bar. On the counter Siviglia needed a crucial header to intercept the cross for Paolucci at the back post, then Nando Muslera smothered a Paolucci low drive on the counter. Christian Manfredini made way for Stefano Mauri and the 4-3-1-2 system, but Catania continued to have chances on the counter with Paolucci firing wide of the near post. Lazio were awarded a penalty on the hour mark, as Pandev was nudged by Silvestre as he was about to pull the trigger, the Catania defender mistiming his challenge. The Macedonian got back up to take the spot-kick, but Bizzarri got the corner to his left and palmed it off the line! Tommaso Rocchi only got a weak header to Pandev's chipped ball over the defence, while Zarate replaced the player whose penalty was saved. Rocchi managed to test Bizzarri with an angled drive that was fingertipped round the far post. Martinez tried to dispossess Emilson Cribari and burst into the box, but he seemed to lose his balance rather than be pushed, so the referee waved away timid penalty appeals.

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Review : Catania - Lazio 1-0

Catania 4-3-3: Bizzarri, Potenza, Silvestre, Stovini, Capuano, Biaginati, Ledesma (Silvestri), Tedesco, Martinez, Paolucci (Izco), Mascara (Llama).

Lazio 4-4-2: Muslera, Lichtsteiner, Siviglia, Cribari, Radu, Foggia, Ledesma, Brocchi (Meghni), Manfredini (Mauri), Pandev (Zarate), Rocchi.

Goals: Paolucci 24'

Cards: Martinez (Catania), Silvestre (Catania), Lichtsteiner (Lazio)

Catania have stunned Lazio to move closer towards the European places after overcoming the Romans at the Massiminio. Delio Rossi's men were left red-faced in Sicily as Walter Zenga's side marched home to another three points as they continue to impress. Paolucci fired the Sicilians in front in the first half, with Pandev fluffing from 12 yards for Lazio.

First Half

Lazio kicked off, and it was the Roman side who threatened early on. Swiss defender Stephan Lichtsteiner saw Tommaso Rocchi make a neat run in behind Catania's defence. The defender whipped in the cross and Rocchi launched himself towards the ball with his toe, but Lorenzo Stovini stuck his boot out to stop the danger.

The early kicks were not too exciting as both teams started rather blandly. It didn't take Catania long to get into their stride though. Giuseppe Mascara's shot from distance was clumsily handled by Pasquale Foggia on the edge of his box. The referee didn't want to hear the protests as he awarded the free-kick. The same Mascara stepped up to whip his strike over the wall. However, the ball had too much pace behind it as it came down behind goal.

Lazio coach Delio Rossi asked his players for a good performance in Sicily during his pre-match press conference. He didn't get it though as a number of chances were spurned. Goran Pandev and Rocchi have been lethal this season, but that was not being reflected during a less than perfect showing from the Roman side. The Macedonian striker turned Stovini inside out before finishing wildly. Chances were at a premium for both sides as the coaches on the bench danced around the touchline in frustration.

Catania did dominate in terms of chances. Rossi's men failed to rouse themselves, and seemed to lack confidence in possession. A lack of accuracy and some lapses in focus saw the away side struggle. Christian Manfredini was the next Lazio player to fall for Mascara's trickery. The Italian went in too hard, and another free-kick went to the Rossoazzurri. Mascara stepped up, but the outcome was the same as his first - the ball was not vicious enough to see Fernando Muslera work.

Lazio's demise continued. The Rome-based outfit were made to pay for their slackness. A quick break saw Catania chew up the Massiminio turf as the opposition struggled to track back. Mascara saw Pablo Ledesma's run down the middle and fed him nicely. The Argentinean midfielder swung wildly from the edge of the box, but his miss turned to gold as it found Michele Paolucci on the back post. The former Atalanta striker needed no second invitation as he powered the ball across the line to give his side a deserved lead.

Second Half

Catania didn't take their foot off the gas as they continued to press their opponents. Paolucci should have doubled his side's lead early on when he was found by Ledesma's quick throughball. However, the Italian blasted the ball over. The Biancocelesti tried to get the ball rolling with Rocchi and Pandev coming to life as the half progressed. The Italian hitman found his striking partner. However, Pandev failed miserably from close range.

Lazio were then handed a lifeline after Matias Silvestre brought down Pandev in the box. The referee had no choice but to awarded the spot kick. It was a clumsy challenge from the Argentinean international. The Macedonian stepped up but his powerful drive down towards the left post was met with the grateful palms of Albano Bizzarri's hands. The goalkeeper guessed right to save his side as Pandev blew it for his.

Despite the miss, the Rome-based side continued to attack as they chased the result, but they were wasteful. Manfredini crossed in for Rocchi and although he met the ball with his head, Bizzarri was there to add to Lazio's frustrations. Catania were left feeling furious after Jorge Martinez was dragged down by Sanchez Cribari in the penalty area. The Brazilian defender took man before ball, but the referee waved play on.

It seems as if just a shade of luck was on Lazio's side as it could have been given. Lazio did carve out chances as they tried desperately to get back into the game, but they were not incisive enough in the final third.

The result sees Catania move further towards the European places, and within a point of the Biancocelesti.

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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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