Lazio – Bologna

By: cathal | February 27th, 2009

Lazio will welcome a feisty and determined Bologna side to the Olimpico tomorrow as we look to build on last week’s success and power towards a higher placing in the Serie A table. Both sides are approaching this game in rather different circumstances but that will count for nothing come tomorrow as both teams need this win desperately. For those reasons, we could be in for a bit of a treat.

Many of our injury worries have eased now so Rossi has a multitude of options available to him. It is likely that Delio will opt for Cribari, Matuzalem and Foggia again. These three have impressed since their re-introduction to the starting line up and I have to agree with the opinion that they stabilise the side; that defence to attack link appears to be thriving and the backline that looked fragile looks secure for the timebeing. I have heard a few reports suggesting Zarate is suspended but I think they are wrong. As far as I was aware, he is “diffidato” meaning he is at risk of suspension. The probable scenario is that Rocchi will play alongside Pandev in attack as our coach will be eager not to lose Mauro for a tougher tie. That could send out the wrong message though; we shouldn’t be underestimating Bologna in the slightest. Nevertheless, with an almost full strength squad at our disposal, there should be no excuse for losing to a team fighting relegation. Here is the line-up I expect:

Lazio (4-3-1-2): Muslera, Kolarov, Cribari, Siviglia, Lichtsteiner, Ledesma, Matuzalem, Brocchi, Foggia, Pandev, Rocchi.

Meghni is the only notable absentee and for that reason, Rossi may choose to freshen things up with the Coppa Italia semi-final against Juventus in mind. It is difficult to know if players will be rested now or then but you can be sure alterations will be made at some point.

As for Bologna, underestimate them at your peril. They have a whole host of ex-laziale players and Mihajlovic, their coach, well, he needs no introduction. In Di Vaio they have a striker who has scored twice as many goals as any of our forwards. Now, there are reasons for that, after all, they depend on him to score while we depend on a wealth of forwards to grab us goals but still, he’s a class act, a dangerous proposition who has gunned us down already this season. If we can keep him at bay, we should be alright but should we lose sight of him for even a split-second then we could be in a trouble. As long as our defence remains tight and we can get a goal or two from somewhere, we will win. Don’t bank on it though. Forza Lazio!

Previous Encounter: Bologna 3-1 Lazio (Volpi 5, Di Vaio 12, 26, Rocchi 51)
Last Season: n/a
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