New Day, New Speculation
By: cathal |
7 Comments
I wake up every morning to find a new name or two enter the fray and today was no exception. The latest players to be linked with us are Ricardo Oliveira of Real Betis and Nicola Pozzi of Empoli. Both are very different players and admittedly, the latter intrigues me much more than the former.
Ricardo would be as useful to us as a box of rusty nails as far as I can see. He had a short spell in Italy already with AC Milan and he didn’t adapt well. To think things would be any different this time is foolish in my opinion. His current club re-signed him, viewing him as the saviour and solution to their relegation dogfight. That turned out excellently when they were relegated on the final day of the season. At 29 years of age, I see no long-term value in him either. Taking all this into consideration, I hope this rumour is very, very false.
As for Nicola, he fired Empoli to the UEFA Cup a few seasons at a very young age. In fact, if I remember correctly, he risked losing the power in one of his fingers to continue playing for them in that highly successful season. The following year, he got injured and they got relegated. However, if he can stay fit and healthy, he could be a fantastic acquisition for us. We have a decent relationship with the club having purchased a certain Tommaso Rocchi from them a few seasons ago and they are quoting their young talent at 10million. It’s a gamble at that price but one that could pay dividends. However, there could well be a catch; they have spoke softly of Kozak and Mendicino. I assume they are talking permanence too. Hopefully we can negotiate on this one. Forza Lazio!
Category: Team News
The New Season Begins
By: cathal | 7 Comments
Technically, the new season is now upon us so it makes sense to wipe the slates and start afresh. I know I haven’t been posting regularly of late. That’s not because I have disappeared or have left or anything like that. Plain and simply, nothing pre-July interests me. It’s mainly rubbish, rubbish and more rubbish, so here’s to posting everyday from now. I’ll start by taking a look ahead to the coming months and what lies in store for us.
There will be a meeting in Formello this weekend as training resumes. Next week, the squad will depart for Auronzo di Cadore to partake in a training camp and play a few friendlies. Unlike last year, Ballardini wants to take everybody with him. This transaltes into 35 rooms being booked and possibly many more. With that in mind, I expect Lotito to go on a selling spree this week but if past form is anything to go by, that will result in one player, or maybe even half a player being sold. The most likely departure? Makinwa to Malaga. Fingers crossed.
We will play our Europa League qualification ties on the 20th and 27th August. We are seeds in the draw; hopefully that means we will have a safe path into the group stages but you just never know. That draw takes place on the 8th August and a fixture on Irish soil would be much appreciated. However, I don’t give our local sides much hope of getting that far in the draw. That’s unfortunate, as Lazio would have no problem in dispatching one of our sides.
On the transfer front, things have gone relatively quiet. My personal feeling is that Guarente is top of our hitlist with Simplicio as a realistic back-up. However, that appears unlikely to happen before Ledesma leaves. LDS looks set to go too which will upset quite a few people but we have many waiting in reserve to take his spot on the bench. Faraoni is already being mentioned at the young age of 17 and there are many others besides. Lyon’s interest in Pandev will be tested considering they’ve just received bucketloads for Benzema. Fingers crossed on that one too.
In the meantime, how many people use the RSS and would anybody be interested in a Facebook mailing list? In other words, if you think it is a wise idea for me to send you a quick mail on Facebook whenever I’ve a new post up, let me know via the comments box or the group. Forza Lazio!
Category: Team NewsSimplicio Solution
By: cathal | 20 Comments
In my opinion and in the opinion of many others, our midfield is the area that looks particularly vulnerable at present. With Ledesma set to leave and with negotiations for Matuzalem becoming a seemingly endless process, I am worried that we could go into the Europa League qualifiers in six weeks’ time with a centre that just is not good enough. That in mind, I have to ask myself; why haven’t we snapped up Simplicio?
I realise the jury is out on him with many citing inconsistency and simply (excuse the pun) a lack of ability as the main reasons why we should avoid making a bid but I can’t empathise with that viewpoint. Statistics may obscure the truth from time to time but they certainly don’t lie and when you compare Fabio’s stats for last season with our current midfield, I am almost ashamed to even display them. Keep in mind, this only takes Serie A into account (as Palermo were immediately dumped from the cup).
Fabio Simplicio - 37 games played, 8 goals, 9 assists.
Cristian Ledesma - 34 games played, 2 goals, 1 assist.
Francelino Matuzalem - 14 games played, 0 goals, 0 assists.
The above statistics make embarrassing reading. Don’t get me wrong, I like our guys. I think Cristian’s dirty work and defensive help is severely under-appreciated by the majority of fans and I firmly believe Francy, with his guts and guile, improved our performances when he played. However, Simplicio has got everything we need in my opinion; he poses a goal threat, he can create, he stays fit, he is solid, he is a Serie A veteran and perhaps most importantly, he is in the prime of his life. In this period of uncertainty, where we can’t be sure if any of our centre-midfielders will remain, I think the 6million Zamp is asking for is a price we should accept instantaneously. Considering many hope or even expect Cristian to go for 15-20million and Francelino to be snatched for a sum in excess of 7million, I think 6million for Fabio is a very small price to pay. Forza Lazio!
Category: Team NewsTaking Shape
By: cathal | 6 Comments
The bigger picture is beginning to emerge and over the next few weeks, I expect everything to become clear. The main news today is that Eliseu is practically a Lazio player and if you are the kind of person who refuses to believe what you read, perhaps some photographic evidence is required?
The irony of the above image is that will most definitely not be anything like the shirt he will be wearing this coming season…or will it? I’m cautiously optimistic that we will get this design changed. The issue is getting a lot of media coverage and considering Feyenoord fans pulled off a similar motion, I think we may just do the same. When you look at the designs below which include the much disputed “V” pattern, I think you have to conclude it’s a vast improvement. I know I certainly do anyway. Make your feelings known in the comments section and if you haven’t already thrown your weight behind the initiative, take a minute and sign this.
There’s nothing really new on incoming players and you should continually check Lalaziosiamonoi for rumours if you have the time. They seem to be doing the best job at rounding up the gossip. As for outgoing players, Makinwa is said to be close to Malaga and Meghni is wanted by quite a few clubs with Glasgow Celtic the frontrunners. The sooner Stephen is sold the better but I don’t think selling Mourad is the correct course of action. Personally, I’d send him on loan and if he keeps fit and has a stormer, we can sell him next summer for a huge price, if not, then at least we know he’s not good enough and we can get rid then. I don’t particularly see the value in selling him and I hope Lotito has the brains to do something along the lines of what he did with Firmani.
So, two signings down, no sales. Perhaps it’s time to build a bigger dressing room? Forza Lazio!
Category: Team NewsMumble, Rumble, Jumble
By: cathal | 23 Comments
The mercato is getting ever busier so I will round up all the bits and pieces you may have missed. Franco has already pre-empted many of these in the comments section. Good work there mate!
Eliseu - The deal is off it seems. The reason? Apparently Lotito attempted to cut the salary they had previously agreed on. I imagine there is more to the scenario than just Claudio trying to save some cash. It is probably a contractual problem of some sort but the kid has said if a solution is not found soon, he will not leave sunny Malaga. I won’t be disheartened if he doesn’t make the move as I don’t believe he can hack Serie A anyway.
Acquafresca - He has been begging us to make a bid for him but it seems we are too preoccupied with the Goran situation. The latest rumour is that he will decide tomorrow between Parma and Atalanta unless we make a last ditch effort to sign him. I would urge the president to get up off his backside and get this guy in. Even if Pandev doesn’t go this summer (and according to his agent, that could well happen) surely it is only a matter of time before the Macedonian does depart. So, let’s bring in the fresh water before the dirty, mirky water needs to be changed.
Ederson - Two seasons ago, he was the talk of our mercato as it was widely believed that he was on his way to Rome. That never happened but Claudio’s torch for the Brazilian has been rekindled and we could be about to do battle with our ‘friends’, Inter for his signature. I can’t see him leaving Lyon for a Europa League side; I really can’t so I am putting a line through him as we speak. On top of that, with a 15-20 million valuation, he can go whistle. Sure, I am a fan of his but he can’t make the national side at present and has done nothing to warrant such a heavy price. Mourinho…you can have him.
I’ll finish up with a few general rumours and a petition. Nedved is said to be close to signing a two-year deal but he’s currently on vacation so we will have to wait on that one. Valencia’s left-back, Moretti could be available for as little as 4 million. He is a quality player and a laziale so it’s an intriguing option but it could end Kolarov’s career with us as Inter are supposedly hot on his heels. Ledesma is being linked with every big club in Europe and Chelsea are the latest in the long list. Ravanelli looks set to become the new Primavera coach next season. I heard last week that Claudio had a role for him and I’m very happy that he will take the role. Easily one of my favourite players as a child. We will have two kits next season, one for the first few months and another to celebrate our 110th year but if, like me, you want to avoid feasting your eyes upon those ugly sailor shirts, sign this and perhaps we might get somewhere. Forza Lazio!
Category: Team NewsEl-is-who?
By: cathal | 8 Comments
You hear numerous transfer rumours each and every day and as you allow them to accumulate, out of nowhere a deal is seemingly done and you are left wondering how it passed you by. The truth is, I don’t think anyone saw Eliseu coming but apparently the formalities are to be completed tomorrow and we will have a new, pacy winger on our books at a bargain price of 600,000 euro. It all sounds too good to be true which begs the question; is he any good?
It is difficult to say if he will live up to the billing. Clearly, not much will be expected of him at such a small price. Nevertheless, we are short of a top winger and if he is to be shot straight into the first team, I would be concerned. He has one good season in La Liga with Malaga and has useful attributes but in my opinion, that is not a reasonable indication as to whether he is Lazio standard or not. Nevertheless, the boy has skills and I’m hoping they will develop as his career progresses.
It’s not the best quality video you will ever come across but if you want a glimpse of what the boy can do, watch the clip below. I’ll be back tomorrow when this deal should be confirmed. Forza Lazio!
Category: Team NewsBerg 0-1 Acquafresca
By: cathal | 7 Comments
Two of our targets went head-to-head today in a bid to fire their U21 national sides to glory and it was newly-signed Genoa forward, Acquafresca that prevailed after scoring a classy headed goal. One game is never enough to judge a player upon but I guess the fact that they are both playing for their countries at a relatively high level is a good sign. The question is, will we see either player at our club next season?
Well, if you believe Igli Tare’s latest statement, Roberto certainly won’t be. However, some of you may remember Lotito making a similar announcement about Ballardini shortly before he became our new manager, so I would be inclined to take Igli’s words, throw them out the window and watch the wind gently blow them away. Let my romantic notions of seeing Acqua line out in our colours remain in existance please. He also denied Moretti would be on his way here and I would be doubtful of that rumour, despite the fact the guy is a well-known laziale who would probably jump at the chance of playing for us. It’s a pity not all dreams can be realised.
Make no mistake about it, Parma and Atalanta are the favourites to secure Roberto but we are interested, there can be absolutely no doubt about that no matter what anybody says. Pandev is leaving and we want Acquafresca. The logic is simple. However, the deal won’t be. Genoa want De Silvestri and what would certainly happen in the long-term is that we would potentially lose Lollo for Roberto. So, would you be happy about that? I would. Yes, I understand Lollo is a supremely talented kid, a laziale and a potential candidate for future captaincy but the truth is, we have Lichtsteiner who is a class act and Scaloni and Zauri in reserve. Not only that but we have a certain Marco Davide Faraoni who is an identical player and probably one of the hottest talents in Europe at the tender age of seventeen. Therefore, is there any point in keeping Lollo? I really don’t think so.
There is a deal on the cards here that has “risk” written all over it but it’s a gamble I would be prepared to take. I just hope the president agrees with me. Forza Lazio!
Category: Team NewsFriends Reunited
By: cathal | 1 Comment
Is Lazio a sports club or a social networking service?
If you have been looking in the papers or browsing through the internet, you are probably questioning if Ballardini is really here to coach the club or if he is planning a gathering, getting one mega shindig up and running and having some fun with a few old acquaintances (see what I did there?). Since his appointment, we have been constantly linked to his previous playing staff; Acquafresca, Fabio Simplicio, Canini and more besides. All great players I must admit, players I think we could really do with having at our club but let’s take a chill pill; it is early days in the mercato and I am sure targets are only being discussed at present.
Ledesma and Pandev are both set to leave as we all know with Sevilla and Napoli the respective favourites for the signature of both players. There’s a minor rumour that Maresca may be implicated in Cristian’s deal but I’d hold my breath on that one. However, an interesting scenario is developing within the negotiations for Matuzalem with Real Zaragoza. Apparently, the Spanish club have made an offer to Carrizo and he wants to go. With the talks for Francelino stalling, I think it’s about time we slotted JP into that deal and wave him bye bye. I’m sure many would disagree but I personally, have no time for deluded egoists and to me, that’s how JP appears. Perhaps I am wrong.
Fabian Vargas, who was said to have ’signed’ for us or at least be on the verge of doing so has actually packed his Boca bags and headed to Almeria. I’m not too disappointed, I didn’t really think he was good enough but his teammate, Alejandro Battaglia is trying to talk his way to Rome and for him, either half will do it seems. Now, I love seeing players want to come to Lazio, like there is a burning desire within them. The thing is, I would love to see players like Messi or Iniesta with this passion. Good players, our quality of players should not be trying to talk their way to us; we should be trying to talk them into popping over. So, when some fellow in Argentina resorts to such measures and doesn’t distance himself from either one of two rivals, I tick the box that says no. On the contrary, Marcus Berg? That’s a different scenario and after his hat-trick against Belarus in the U21 Euro Championships the other night, I would be paying close attention to him.
I hope Claudio, Igli and Davide are having a good old chinwag behind the scenes because I want to see signings. Even sales would pacify me. In fact, any action would do just fine. Forza Lazio!
Category: Team NewsI Present To You, Mr. Ballardini
By: cathal | 7 Comments
Davide Ballardini, our new coach was officially unveiled and presented to the public today; an occasion which signals a new dawn for our club. Many fans are excited about his appointment as they should be, but there’s another sector who just want to know who on earth he is. Well, I have done my research and found all you need to know about the guy.
Firstly, if you wish to see his press conference, check out CorriereDelloSport. I have a video on our Facebook page and I’ll post a few other links in the comments section.
I think the footage shows an intelligent and mysterious fellow. He strikes me as having great confidence and belief in himself; he looks unflustered and focused. His approach to management reflects his personality. You may have already noticed his tendency to wear rather dark shades. This helps contribute to an unmistakable appearance and his teams are the same on the pitch; they play a unique and entertaining brand of football. A very different character to Rossi I am sure you will degree.
Some people will question his credentials but they really shouldn’t. As a professional player, he was at an AC Cesena team that was managed by Osvaldo Bagnoli and listed Arrigo Sacchi as a youth coach. He has learned off to of the best managers in the history of soccer for starters. He also has worked at Parma and Milan as a youth coach, effectively bringing many of the top talents we now know in Italy to the fore. In 2004, he took his first job as head coach, taking charge of Serie C1/B side Sambenedettese Calcio. He led that side to the promotion play-offs and although there may not have been many stars in that side, it did feature a rather youthful Luca Cigarini whom he borught to the club. Also, it was Ballardini who discovered Bogliacino (who we have been linked with today).
He moved to Cagliari the following season but that didn’t last long as he got off to a poor start. He took charge of Pescara the next season only for the same thing to happen again. However, he was called back to the Sardinians during the 2007/2008 season where he managed to pick up a significant number of points and steer the side away from what was likely relegation. This season, he replaced Colantuono who was sacked after one game and led Palermo to eighth in Serie A. Many will argue that he has had a topsy turvy career thus far but this is someone who is highly rated within calcio. In fact, there was a rumour that Sacchi tried to convince Milan to take him on, such is how highly his mentors regard him. We may have got our hands on a real gem here but only time will tell.
What happens now? Well, nearly all our players are possible sales. Only the likes of Muslera, Kolarov, Lichtsteiner, Foggia and Zarate are definitely staying along with the majority of our youth. Potential targets? Apparently, Acquafresca is number one on the list and Fabio Simplicio must also be likely as he has played under Davide and Lotito is said to be a fan of his. After this duo, who knows what they will decide on but one thing is certain, this is a ‘new’ Lazio with a new policy; to take every day as it comes and hopefully grow a young bunch of winners in time. Forza Lazio!
Category: Team NewsPlayer Of The Season: The Results
By: cathal | 3 Comments
A couple of weeks ago, I asked you to vote for your Player of the Season and as many would have predicted and expected, it was a landslide victory for a certain Maurito Zarate. He was the common choice but not everybody’s choice so these are the final tallies:
Zarate - 60%
Lichtsteiner - 11%
Kolarov - 9%
Foggia - 6%
Muslera - 6%
Ledesma - 4%
Carrizo - 2%
Pandev - 2%
Apart from JP who presumably made the list out of sympathy, all the above players deserve an honourable mention for their efforts. I think in general, we learned much about our squad and although few of these names will inevitably depart, I hope we have finally found a strong and committed base upon which we can build. There are a few guys in this squad who have plenty of heart and a true abundance of passion and if our new coach can work on this, we can soar. However, at present there is much work to be done and I hope to see progress in the coming days. In the meantime, congratulations Mauro and keep up the good work next season.
I’ll be back later with all the thrills and spills of Ballardini’s press conference. If you know very little about the guy, I will also tell you what you can expect as I have done my research. Forza Lazio!
Category: Team News
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