Lazio – Catania

By: salvatore | April 19th, 2008

Lazio

Because we can’t really move up (and can’t be relegated), motivation seems to be the key word leading up to tomorrow’s clash with relegation battlers Catania. Basically, we have very little, and they have plenty.

This kind of shit makes me sick, to be perfectly honest, but obviously, the team and coaching staff have their sights set on the Coppa Italia.

Motivation

So, with the wrong mentality going in, and Delio intent on playing the turnover game again,
we can lose this, even if we should win.

Hoping to make a positive impression will be David Rozehnal, who due to the suspension of Siviglia, will likely get the start at center back. Who plays next to him is anyone’s guess, though I think Radu is going to get in there. Zauri will also get another start in his return from a lengthy injury, and Mofo Mutarelli will be in the starting 11 for the third straight game.

Up front Rocchi is reportedly going to partner Tare, and either Meghni or Mauri will be lined up behind them. I have no idea how that’s going to work, but I think the Frenchman can provide a touch more creativity than Mauri, who frankly, who could be replaced by a cardboard box.

On their end, Vargas is clearly the danger man, particularly if newly installed coach Walter Zenga plays him in a midfield position, as he has been. Former Castel Di Sangro striker Gionatha Spinesi can also be a thorn in the ass if given space, so you know, let’s hope he doesn’t get any. Also of note is Lorenzo Stovini, who years back, was a solid pickup for me in Football Manager 2000.

Probable Formations:

Lazio: Ballota; Zauri, Rozenhal, Cribari, Radu; Mudingay, Ledesma, Mutarelli; Mauri or Meghni; Tare, Rocchi

Catania: Polito; Sardo, Terlizzi, Stovini, Sabato; Izco, Gia.Tedesco, Edusei, Vargas; Mascara, Spinesi

Likelihood that Lazio blows it: 65%
Likelihood that Vargas takes a bit fat shit on us: 55%
Likelihood that Mauri gets substituted for a cardboard box: 10%

Here’s what happened last time these teams met: