Lazio – Juventus + Interview For “The North Curve”

By: cathal | March 2nd, 2009

Lazio will take on Juventus tomorrow in what could be a season defining Coppa Italia semi-final. Both sides will be looking to steal an advantage in the first leg of a two-legged tie. It’s been a while since I have been this excited about a game and I’m sure it is the same for all of you out there.

I have a preview with a difference today. Following the Bologna game, I had a short interview with Michael Di Mascio as part of his weekly audio blogs entitled “The North Curve“. In the interview we analysed last weekend’s game but I also gave my views on tomorrow’s game. You can watch the video below and I’ll let my responses do the talking for what I think of the semi ahead.

Brocchi and Dabo are possible absentees for this game which could cause Rossi to shuffle the pack. As both are defensive midfielders who regularly protect the defence, it is unlikely that Delio will revert back to 4-3-1-2 unless the newly fit Lichtsteiner is moved into a less familiar midfield role. Mauri has also regained fitness so there is a possibility that he will play on the left side of midfield while Foggia receives a transfer to the right. Once again it seems injury and suspension could define our formation.

Zarate is suspended and can’t take part which virtually ensures Pandev and Rocchi of starting the game. Diakite is injured and definitely won’t feature which leaves Cribari, Siviglia and Rozehnal competing for the two defensive slots. Matuzalem is fit to take a central midfield role which is crucial considering our midfield crisis. Carrizo is likely to start in goal ahead of Muslera although I wouldn’t be surprised if a coin toss decides that. Apparently Primavera striker, Kozak has also been tested in case Goran is fatigued. Below is a probable formation, courtesy of lazialita and I reckon this will end up being fairly accurate.

Lazio (4-4-2): Carrizo, Kolarov, Cribari, Siviglia, Lichtsteiner, Mauri, Ledesma, Matuzalem, Foggia, Pandev, Rocchi.

As for Juventus, I have no idea who they will play. It seemed to me at least that they were resting a couple of key players in light of this game but perhaps they had injury troubles I wasn’t aware of. Nevertheless, it might be worth paying the Juventus Offside a little visit over the coming hours. Those guys are usually efficient with their previews and will certainly give you a better insight into the opposition than I can. I am anticipating a highly charged, well fought battle between the two sides and hopefully we can get the result we need. It is Juve, it won’t be easy but we can definitely do it. Forza Lazio!

Previous Encounter: Lazio 1-1 Juventus (Ledesma 25, Mellberg 30)
Last Season: n/a
Stream: http://www.atdhe.net/live-tv-4276.html