Lazio - Siena

By: cathal | November 8th, 2008

Tuscan stalwarts Siena will travel to the Olimpico tomorrow bidding to upset the odds against a Lazio side who are well and truly on the up.

I should start by saying that Siena are no mugs. Since their return to Serie A in 2003, Siena have built a reputation for dodging relegation when others had banked on it. To be honest, last season’s escape was by far their most comfortable to date and this season looks just as impressive as they hover around in mid-table. Some people are seeing this game as an easy 3 points for Lazio. I’m not.

For me, Siena are on a par with Catania; they have talented individuals who can destroy you on their day but 8 times out of ten, you would expect a Lazio win. However, things are not ideal with Lazio at the minute. After two back to back wins, you would expect the dressing room to be full of zest and enthusiasm but it seems this is not the case for some. Reports of a Rossi-Cribari dispute and an unsettled Makinwa do little for the team’s confidence. In addition to this, we must also contend with Pandev’s suspension. There is a very valid argument to suggest Pandev deliberately got booked to miss this game and make the derby but if that’s the case then I hope he hasn’t jumped the gun. Now it looks as though we have to rely on a combination of Foggia, Zarate and Rocchi. I have full faith in these guys but the absence of Goran leaves us with limited bench options.

The Cribari fallout could also leave the defense stretched. It is thought Rozehnal will start alongside either Siviglia or Diakite. Sebastiano is in much need of a rest and therefore Mobido could be in line to make his first start of the season. Considering our impressive defensive record at home, Delio may opt for the attack minded Kolarov and Lichtsteiner in the backline. The midfield is less clear. Ledesma, as always, should start but as to who lines up beside him is a mystery. Mauri and Meghni are surely candidates, as is Dabo. However, with the derby in the back of Delio’s mind, it will be interesting to see if he goes with his best eleven.

As for Siena, well they have quite a few players we should keep an eye on. Frick is a constant danger who will be eager to impress. Maccarone is always good for a goal and Kharja is a decent individual. Codrea and Vergassola will undoubtedly keep things tight. Portanova, a die hard laziale as he is keen to point out will feature at the back. All in all, Siena are a sturdy unit with the potential to cause problems.

It’s difficult to know what way this game will go. There is every chance we could destroy them but at the same time, I expect them to put up a brave fight at the very least. Giampaolo their coach is a former colleague of Rossi so I am expecting a tactical battle but a more open game than those we have had to endure recently. Forza Lazio!